Ushkara sportsmen accuse Army of occupying playfield

Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 30: Sportsmen in the Ushkara area of Baramulla district in North Kashmir today protested against the Army for seizing the area’s sports field and prohibiting sports activities.
Scores of players gathered near the sports field, raising slogans in support of the players’ demands. They alleged that a signboard was erected in the ground a few days ago claiming that the property belonged to the military and that sports activities were prohibited on the field.
“A few days ago, the Army stopped a group of workers from carrying out restoration work on the ground, claiming the land was theirs. Since then, no spots activity has occurred there, robbing the area’s youth of their only sports field,” a football player said.
He said that their forefathers had played on the field and that this sudden decision has shocked the entire region. “Where will the youth of this area go now? They do not have any other options,” another protester said, adding that if an alternative land is provided, they will accept the decision.
According to them, the Government laid the foundation stone for a sports field in the area in 2012, but the facility was never built, and the location was abandoned after the foundation stone was laid. “The Government should develop that area and let us play here until then,” another protestor said.
According to the protesters, at least ten registered clubs operate in the area, and the region has produced several footballers. “Around ten football clubs are registered with the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association. Where will they practice?” a footballer asked, adding that the Government is claiming to promote sports while robbing the players of their facilities.

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