SRINAGAR: PDP leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para has raised objections to the reported repurposing of a 70-year-old playground at Baghat Barzulla in Srinagar for the construction of a Police Martyrs’ building, calling for urgent intervention to preserve the facility for local youth.
Para, in a post on X parra wrote, said that the move comes just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Kashmiri youth for their growing involvement in sports. “While we salute their sacrifices, such a building can be raised elsewhere. With 65 percent youth battling unemployment, drugs and depression, Srinagar needs spaces and stadiums,” he wrote, urging the Lieutenant Governor’s office, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and the Director General of Police to step in and safeguard the playfield.
A day after PM praised Kashmiri youth for their role in sports, Srinagar’s 70-year-old playground at Baghat Barzulla is being taken from local youth to build a Police Martyrs’ building. While we salute their sacrifices, such a building can be raised elsewhere. With 65% youth… pic.twitter.com/TRLZfujNUI
— Waheed Para (@parawahid) September 2, 2025
The remarks followed Modi’s address on Sunday during the 125th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, in which he highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s achievements in sports despite recurring natural challenges. He pointed to Pulwama’s successful hosting of its first-ever day-night cricket match under the RPL, and Srinagar’s water sports festival, which drew over 800 athletes nationwide, including significant female participation.
The Prime Minister lauded the enthusiasm of Kashmiri youth, praised medal winners such as Rashmita Sahoo from Odisha and Mohsin Ali from Srinagar, and congratulated both the government and people of Jammu and Kashmir for their hospitality and commitment to promoting sports.
