Omar wants to develop Kargil as a tourist and sports destination

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday emphasized the need to develop Kargil, the second most important town in Ladakh as a tourism and sports destination.

"The names of Kargil and Drass are more associated with the limited war of 1999 while Drass is also known for being the second coldest place in the world. Now, we are trying to show the world its beauty, picturesque view, hospitality and polo. For doing so, it has to be advertised on a large scale, which will attract domestic and international tourists," said Abdullah after a polo tournament in Kargil Saturday morning.

Abdullah noted that Jammu and Kashmir had a rich history of polo. "The game has been popular in the Kashmir Valley and the Ladakh region since long," he said.

The chief minister said that tourism and sports activities would boost the economy and nurture the talent of Jammu and Kashmir in this field.

He directed officials to take immediate steps in this regard and send him a report on this. (IANS)