Targets Mufti over “backdoor appointments”, RS voting
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, May 10: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said that the Government is working to position Kashmir as the country’s premier golf tourism destination by promoting its world-class golf courses and attracting more local as well as visiting golfers.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while inaugurating a golf tournament at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar. “Golf and Kashmir have a very old relationship. If you look at the most beautiful golf courses in the country, then three courses of Kashmir can be easily counted – Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam,” he said.
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Omar said the Government is focusing on increasing the number of local golfers while simultaneously using the sport to strengthen tourism promotion in the Valley. “We are trying to increase the number of local golfers. At the same time, we want to start a new generation of golfers. We want to promote the courses of Kashmir for tourism,” he said.
Highlighting the growing interest in golf tourism, the Chief Minister said more than 100 golfers participated in the tournament, with many arriving from different parts of the country. “After a few weeks, they want to bring 60 young golfers to Pahalgam. The course of Gulmarg will be open until July. New equipment has already been ordered,” he added.
Omar further said that Srinagar has increasingly become a preferred destination for golfers seeking long weekend getaways, expressing hope that the trend would significantly benefit the tourism sector.
Asked about taking Kashmir’s golfing profile to the global level, the Chief Minister said the ongoing tournament was being jointly organised with Jammu and Kashmir Tourism and that similar events were being planned for Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
“The idea is that when people think of golf and particularly golf tourism, the first thought that should cross their minds is Kashmir and the three main golf courses here,” he said adding, “For that, whatever needs to be done in terms of equipment, promotion and maintenance, we will do that.”
On whether such sporting events could boost confidence and generate employment in the hospitality sector, Omar said the administration intends to organise more events of this nature to attract golfers from within Kashmir as well as from across the country.
“Our aim is to have as many events as possible so that golfers within the Valley and golfers from outside Kashmir come and are able to play here together. We want to see more and more of them here,” he added
While speaking to reporters at Ganderbal, the Chief Minister rejected allegations of “backdoor appointments” levelled against the National Conference Government and accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mehbooba Mufti of spreading baseless narratives to mislead the public.
Omar challenged the PDP leadership to provide even a single example of alleged backdoor recruitment.
He said outsourcing is a structured administrative mechanism under government schemes cannot be equated with illegal appointments.
“There is a difference between backdoor appointments and outsourcing. The outsourcing is done under proper schemes,” he said.
The Chief Minister said such allegations were aimed at diverting attention from ongoing development works in the Union Territory.
Omar dismissed allegations related to transfer and postings as factually incorrect and politically motivated. “Shami Oberoi is the Treasurer of the NC and does not hold any ministerial position,” he said urging the opposition to verify facts before making public statements.
He further alleged that the PDP is deliberately attempting to distract from governance and development issues through repeated accusations.
Omar questioned the ‘silence’ of Mufti over cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha polls, asking why she didn’t appoint an authorised agent in the election.
“It has been proved through RTI that the PDP helped the BJP, which facilitated the BJP to win a seat. Mehbooba Mufti is silent on that. Why didn’t she appoint an observer? Why didn’t she appoint an agent? She will not talk about it,” he said.
Omar said infrastructure and public welfare projects have gained momentum in his constituency since his electoral victory.
On healthcare, he said new machines will be installed at District Hospital Ganderbal, adding that diagnostic tests costing Rs 3,000-Rs 4,000 in private facilities will now be available at subsidised rates of Rs 500-Rs 800.
He said the initiatives are part of a broader plan for balanced and sustainable development, adding that discussions have been held with senior ministers to expedite pending works.
The Chief Minister reiterated that his government remains focused on development, infrastructure improvement, healthcare and youth welfare, adding that regular field visits are being conducted to ensure timely completion of projects in Ganderbal.
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