Says sports will keep youth away from drugs

PAMPORE: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday inaugurated the Kong Posh Premier League Cricket Tournament in Saffron Town Pampore of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday.
The tournament was inaugurated in presence of the party’s vice president Zaffar Hussain Manhas, State Secretary Muntazir Mohi-Ud-Din, District President Pulwama Ghulam Mohammad Mir, DDC Vice chairperson Bilal Ahmad Bhat, DDC Chairman Pampore Mohammad Altaf Mir, Umar Jaan, and other office bearers.
The tournament is being organized by Apni Party’s BDC Chairman Pampore Mohammad Altaf Mir. The first match of the tournament was played between Royal Strikers Pampore and Hibban Cricket Club Pampore.
A total of 32 teams from different areas are participating in the Kong Posh League. “The decision was taken by our party that we will involve youth in various sports activities and provide them skill training so that they are kept far from drug addiction,” Altaf Bukhari said while talking to the media persons.
He said that it was in this direction that the JKAP young leader Mohamad Altaf Ahmad started the cricket tournament. “I hope that involving youth in sports will keep them far from drugs,” he said, adding that he appeals to all citizens, parents and other responsible members to play their role in the fight against drug addiction.
He said that parents should keep a vigil on the activities of their children.
“JKAP will try to rehabilitate those who have been caught in the quagmire of drug abuse,” he said, adding parents of such children can approach them and their details will be not disclosed.
He also warned that drug dealers will be strictly dealt with and punished under relevant law.
Talking to Kashmir Reader, Mohammad Altaf Mir, JKAP leader and organiser of this tournament, said that motive of this tournament is to engage youth and keep them away from drugs.
“We want to provide them a platform where they can showcase their talent and remain away from various negative forces like drug addiction,” he said.
The players raised the issue of developing necessary infrastructure and facilities at Iqbal Stadium Tanchibagh. Altaf Bukhari assured them he will bring this issue to the notice of the concerned Deputy Commissioner and seek its redressal.

BILAL HABIB