SC observation on SPOs not meant for JK: Omar

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday said that the Supreme Court observation about the special police officers (SPOs) was meant for naxal-hit states and not the Jammu and Kashmir. “As per my knowledge, the observation (by apex court) is applicable to naxal hit states. Our SPOs are part of police force. It is a belt force and wears uniform to realize their duties,” Omar Abdullah told reporters on sidelines of a function here.“Anti-naxal SPOs can’t be compared with those in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added while replying to questions by reporters after inaugurating North Zone Table Tennis Championship at Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Stadium here.Earlier, correspondent said that the Chief Minister expressed happiness over the opening of the Indoor Stadium for the purpose it was constructed. He said due to the 20 years period of disturbance and uncertainty games received serious setback and the indoor sports complex was utilized for other purposes rather than sports.“We have restored it back to games,” he said assuring its further upgradation and improvement to make it a venue of an International standard. He said money will not be any problem in the development and upgradation of indoor stadium. “I have asked the Sports Minister to formulate a befitting plan for it”, he added. He said besides other works restoration of lighting, sound systems, central heating in the complex, etc require focused attention.“We want a prosperous, peaceful and palatable future for our younger generation. Sports activities are important part of life and we have to cultivate sports culture in the State and encourage our youth to prove their metal in various sports”. He said Football is the popular game here and the endeavour of the government is to also develop other sports besides cricket and football.North Zone Table Tennis Championship sponsored by J&K Bank is being organized by the Table Tennis Federation of India in collaboration with J&K Table Tennis Association.As many as 22 States are participating in the National event allotted to Jammu and Kashmir at Srinagar venue. Some 650 players in the age group of 12 to 30 years will participate in about 1700 matches to be played up to July 12. A prize money of over Rs. 5.20 lakhs will be awarded to the outstanding Table Tennis players after the conclusion of five events in cadets, sub-junior, junior, youth and major categories.