&w=3840&q=100)
Omar Abdullah vows to make Jammu and Kashmir a premier golf destination
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said his government is committed to make Jammu and Kashmir as one of the premier golf destinations in the country.
The chief minister made these remarks during a prize distribution ceremony held here, where the winners and runners-up of the day's golf tournament were felicitated.
Earlier this morning, Abdullah joined golfers to tee off the tournament at the Royal Springs Golf Course, which saw participation from eminent golfers from across the country, including former chief minister Farooq Abdullah Welcoming the golfers to Kashmir, the chief minister said that their presence was highly encouraging.
He also expressed his gratitude to Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) for organizing the Golf Tournament and tourism stakeholders' interaction in Kashmir.
"It is very reassuring for us to see you all here. There is no doubt that your presence goes a long way in reinforcing what we are trying to do, which is essentially to bring tourism back on track after it had derailed," Abdullah said.
Reflecting on the recent challenges, the chief minister acknowledged the apprehensions tourists may have felt following the Pahalgam tragedy.
"I understand why people would be afraid to visit. I understand the impact of the visuals from Pahalgam on the psyche of those who would otherwise not think twice about coming here," he said.
"That is why your presence here carries immense significance, the message you take back with you amplifies what we are trying to achieve, in ways perhaps we cannot," he added.
Highlighting the power of word-of-mouth communication, Abdullah said the impressions shared by visitors hold greater weight than official statements.
"If I speak about Jammu and Kashmir as a tourism destination, my words will naturally be seen through the lens of a local. But when you return home and share your experiences here, the impact is far greater," he said.
"I am not being frivolous when I say this. We truly hope each one of you goes back as ambassadors of J-K conveying that although the region has faced a difficult few months, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and better days lie ahead," he added.
On the development of golf infrastructure, Abdullah assured the gathering that all necessary efforts will be made to provide world-class golfing facilities in both Jammu and Kashmir valley.
Referring to the recent tournament held in Gulmarg, he shared that for the first time in over a decade, we were able to organize a small, locally-participated golf tournament using nine holes.
By August or September, we hope to have all 18 holes operational. Work on the greens is underway, he said.
"Similarly, we will continue to enhance the quality of golf courses in Srinagar and Jammu. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring that each time you return, you experience an improved game and setting, he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Sudan civil war overwhelms border town in Chad as refugees find little help
Fatima Omas Abdullah wakes up every morning with aches and pains from sleeping on bare ground for almost two years. She did not expect Sudan's civil war to displace her for so long into neighbouring Chad. There is nothing here, she said, crying and shaking the straw door of her makeshift home. Since April 2023, she has been in the Adre transit camp a few hundred metres from the Sudanese border, along with almost a quarter-million others fleeing the fighting. Now the US- backed aid system that kept hundreds of thousands like Abdullah alive on the edge of one of the world's most devastating wars is fraying. Under the Trump administration, key foreign aid has been slashed and funding withdrawn from United Nations programmes that feed, treat and shelter refugees. In 2024, the US contributed USD 39.3 million to the emergency response in Chad. So far this year, it has contributed about USD 6.8 million, the UN says. Overall, only 13 per cent of the requested money to support refugees in Chad this year has come in from all donors, according to UN data. In Adre, humanitarian services were already limited as refugees are meant to move to more established camps deeper inside Chad. Many Sudanese, however, choose to stay. Some are heartened by the military's recent successes against rival paramilitary forces in the capital, Khartoum. They have swelled the population of this remote, arid community that was never meant to hold so many. Prices have shot up. Competition over water is growing. Adre isn't alone. As the fighting inside Sudan's remote Darfur region shifts, the stream of refugees has created a new, more isolated transit camp called Tine. Since late April, 46,000 people have arrived. With the aid cuts, there is even less to offer them there. 235,000 Sudanese in a border town Adre has become a fragile frontline for an estimated 235,000 Sudanese. They are among the 1.2 million who have fled into eastern Chad. Before the civil war, Adre was a town of about 40,000. As Sudanese began to arrive, sympathetic residents with longtime cross-border ties offered them land. Now there is a sea of markets and shelters, along with signs of Sudanese intending to stay. Some refugees are constructing multi-story buildings. Sudanese-run businesses form one of Adre's largest markets. Locals and refugees barter in Sudanese pounds for everything from produce to watches. There is respect between the communities, said resident Asadiq Hamid Abdullah, who runs a donkey cart. But everyone is complaining that the food is more expensive. Chad is one of the world's poorest countries, with almost 50 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. Locals say the price of water has quadrupled since the start of Sudan's civil war as demand rises. Sudanese women told The Associated Press that fights had broken out at the few water pumps for them, installed by the International Committee of the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. Even food aid could run out shortly. The UN World Food Programme says funding to support Sudanese refugees in Adre is guaranteed only until July, as the US aid cuts force a 30 per cent reduction in staff worldwide. The UN refugee agency has seen 30 per cent of its funding cut for this area, eastern Chad. Samia Ahmed, who cradled her 3-year-old and was pregnant with her second child, said she has found work cleaning and doing laundry because the WFP rations don't last the month. I see a gloomy future, she said. Sudanese try to fill aid gaps Sudanese are trying to fill gaps in aid, running private schools and their own humanitarian area with a health clinic and women's centre. Local and UN authorities, however, are increasing the pressure on them to leave Adre. There are too many people here, they say. A vast city, said Hamit Hadjer Abdullai with Chad's National Commission for the Reception and Reintegration of Refugees. He said crime was increasing. Police warn of the Colombians, a Sudanese gang. Locals said it operates with impunity, though Abdullai claimed that seven leaders have been jailed. People must move, said Benoit Kayembe Mukendi, the UN refugee agency's local representative. For security reasons and for their protection. As the Chadian population begins to demand their land back, Mukendi warned of a bigger security issue ahead. But most Sudanese won't go. The AP spoke to dozens who said they had been relocated to camps and returned to Adre to be closer to their homeland and the transit camp's economic opportunities. There are risks. Zohal Abdullah Hamad was relocated but returned to run a coffee stand. One day, a nearby argument escalated and gunfire broke out. Hamad was shot in the gut. I became cold. I was immobile, she said, crying as she recalled the pain. She said she has closed her business. The latest Sudanese arrivals to Adre have no chance to establish themselves. On the order of local authorities, they are moved immediately to other camps. The UN said it is transporting 2,000 of them a day. In Tine, arriving Sudanese find nothing The new and rapidly growing camp of Tine, around 180 kilometres north of Adre, has seen 46,000 refugees arrive since late April from Northern Darfur. Their sheer numbers caused a UN refugee representative to gasp. Thousands jostle for meagre portions of food distributed by community kitchens. They sleep on the ground in the open desert, shaded by branches and strips of fabric. They bring witness accounts of attacks in Zamzam and El-Fasher: rape, robbery, relatives shot before their eyes. With the US aid cuts, the UN and partners cannot respond as before, when people began to pour into Adre after the start of the war, UN representative Jean Paul Habamungu Samvura said. If we have another Adre here it will be a nightmare.
Business Standard
16 hours ago
- Business Standard
Omar Abdullah vows to make Jammu and Kashmir a premier golf destination
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said his government is committed to make Jammu and Kashmir as one of the premier golf destinations in the country. The chief minister made these remarks during a prize distribution ceremony held here, where the winners and runners-up of the day's golf tournament were felicitated. Earlier this morning, Abdullah joined golfers to tee off the tournament at the Royal Springs Golf Course, which saw participation from eminent golfers from across the country, including former chief minister Farooq Abdullah Welcoming the golfers to Kashmir, the chief minister said that their presence was highly encouraging. He also expressed his gratitude to Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) for organizing the Golf Tournament and tourism stakeholders' interaction in Kashmir. "It is very reassuring for us to see you all here. There is no doubt that your presence goes a long way in reinforcing what we are trying to do, which is essentially to bring tourism back on track after it had derailed," Abdullah said. Reflecting on the recent challenges, the chief minister acknowledged the apprehensions tourists may have felt following the Pahalgam tragedy. "I understand why people would be afraid to visit. I understand the impact of the visuals from Pahalgam on the psyche of those who would otherwise not think twice about coming here," he said. "That is why your presence here carries immense significance, the message you take back with you amplifies what we are trying to achieve, in ways perhaps we cannot," he added. Highlighting the power of word-of-mouth communication, Abdullah said the impressions shared by visitors hold greater weight than official statements. "If I speak about Jammu and Kashmir as a tourism destination, my words will naturally be seen through the lens of a local. But when you return home and share your experiences here, the impact is far greater," he said. "I am not being frivolous when I say this. We truly hope each one of you goes back as ambassadors of J-K conveying that although the region has faced a difficult few months, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and better days lie ahead," he added. On the development of golf infrastructure, Abdullah assured the gathering that all necessary efforts will be made to provide world-class golfing facilities in both Jammu and Kashmir valley. Referring to the recent tournament held in Gulmarg, he shared that for the first time in over a decade, we were able to organize a small, locally-participated golf tournament using nine holes. By August or September, we hope to have all 18 holes operational. Work on the greens is underway, he said. "Similarly, we will continue to enhance the quality of golf courses in Srinagar and Jammu. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring that each time you return, you experience an improved game and setting, he added.
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Better facilities for pilgrims': J&K LG Manoj Sinha reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements
Ahead of the annual Amaranth Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha interacted with various stakeholders here on Saturday to discuss arrangements for smooth pilgrimage. Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha addressing a press conference in Srinagar.(ANI File ) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was present at the interaction at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here in which members of the civil society, religious leaders, DDC chairpersons, members of business and trade associations, and MLAs also participated. The lieutenant governor said the administration has made preparations, including security-related, for comfort of the visiting pilgrims. "Despite challenging weather conditions and tough terrain, efforts have been made to ensure better facilities for the pilgrims. Many of you are aware of this. Significant improvements have taken place. I also know that people from Jammu and Kashmir, especially those involved in this yatra, have served with dedication and will continue to do so," he said in his address. Stakeholders assure full support for Amarnath Yatra, Muharram: LG Sinha Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the lieutenant governor said the stakeholders have assured of all possible support to make the yatra a success. "I had invited all the senior leaders and representatives of the political parties to the Raj Bhavan and requested them to make the Amarnath Yatra and Muharram successful. They assured me of support for both the yatra as well as Muharram," said Sinha. "The members of the civil society, religious leaders, DDC chairpersons, office bearers of business and trade associations, and MLAs, were here for consultations today. Senior officers were also present. We have been doing this endeavour for the last four years," he added. The lieutenant governor said the stakeholders have assured him that the yatra belongs more to people than the administration and shrine board, and all will provide their support to make the yatra successful. "I hope that with the blessings of Baba Amarnath, the yatra will be successful," he added.
