Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday condemned the killing of two migrant labourers in a terrorist attack in Kulgam district, saying no religion allows the killing of innocent people.
Reacting to the incident, Abdullah termed the killing of the two labourers from Chhattisgarh as “very unfortunate” and said such attacks must not be allowed to happen.
“The killing is very unfortunate. It shouldn’t have happened. No religion permits killing innocent people like this. Words are not enough to condemn it,” the Chief Minister told reporters in Srinagar.
He said the responsibility of maintaining security rests with the concerned agencies and expressed hope that the security grid would ensure such incidents do not recur.
The two migrant workers were killed in a terrorist attack at a brick kiln in Kulgam district on July 31.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said golf tourism has become an important part of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism promotion strategy and has the potential to attract visitors from across the country and abroad.
Speaking after inaugurating the J&K Open PGTI Golf Tournament at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC), Srinagar, Abdullah said golf activities have gained momentum in the Union Territory this year.
“Golf tourism is an important part of our overall tourism promotion efforts for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The Chief Minister said visitors are increasingly travelling to Kashmir for short golf holidays, arriving during weekends and combining sporting activities with other tourism experiences.
He described the tournament as an important milestone in bringing Kashmir, particularly the Royal Springs Golf Course, back onto India’s golf map.
The event has brought together more than 100 professional golfers, including over 10 international participants. Abdullah said the government aims to make the tournament an annual feature and gradually increase participation and prize money.
He also announced that efforts are underway to establish a golf academy in Jammu and Kashmir to identify and train young talent so that local players can represent the country at higher levels.
Highlighting recent achievements by sportspersons from the region, Abdullah referred to cricketer Abid Nabi’s selection in the Indian Test squad against Sri Lanka and Owais Yaqoob’s success in mixed martial arts, saying J&K has no shortage of talent but needs greater exposure.
“Our boys and girls have talent, but there is a lack of exposure. If such tournaments happen more and local competitions are organised, exposure will increase,” he said.
Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir has historically been associated with golf and recalled that Kashmir hosted major golf tournaments before militancy affected tourism activities.
He said the region’s favourable climate gives it an advantage for hosting golf training camps and tournaments, especially during summer months when many other parts of the country face weather-related restrictions.
The Chief Minister also said golf should not only be viewed from a revenue perspective, as it generates wider economic benefits by supporting hotels, transport, handicrafts and other tourism-related sectors.
“People who come here don’t just play golf. They go for shikara rides, stay in houseboats, buy handicrafts and use local services. Ultimately, there is a benefit,” he said.
Abdullah further highlighted the need for better cricket infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir and said there is a proposal from the BCCI to establish two international-standard cricket stadiums — one in Jammu and one in the Valley — to host IPL and international matches.
He said sporting events like the PGTI tournament help enhance Jammu and Kashmir’s visibility and strengthen its position as a major destination for sports and tourism.
