Pulwama, where congregation gatherings were once considered a threat to law and order, is now hosting thousands of people from across the Valley for a night cricket tournament at Sports Stadium Pulwama.
The stadium, which had once been a hotspot for “Pulwama Chalo”, is now a “cheering spot” for the youngsters of Kashmir, who have gathered to support their local players.
For the past two weeks, Sports Stadium Pulwama has been bustling with people from across Kashmir to enjoy day-and-night cricket matches, being organised for the second time in the district. The tournament has been in the headlines for both good and bad reasons, but what I feel is happening here is something miraculous.
The youth of Kashmir have been affected by violence and radicalisation very badly, whose repercussions are already known to us. They hardly find any meaningful activity after 8–9 PM and have to sit at home, not by choice but because of the lack of opportunities.
This day-and-night tournament, organised by locals, has given young people a reason to move out of their homes till late at night, enjoy themselves and celebrate local talent.
For the safety of the public, congregation gatherings were often avoided. Before 2019, we witnessed how even normal gatherings were sometimes propagandised by conflict entrepreneurs and turned into violence and anti-government protests.
But last night, I witnessed a sea of people from across Kashmir inside Pulwama Stadium, cheering for their favourite teams—shouting, whistling, playing sirens and celebrating every six, wicket and catch.
This is a sign of how providing opportunities, dignity and a sense of belonging to young people can change their mindset towards betterment.
Hosting such a huge crowd without any anti-social element is an indication that the Government and Security Forces should build deeper trust with young people and take them into confidence.
Despite everything, our young people want to get involved in meaningful activities, especially during the night. Unfortunately, we lack the infrastructure and opportunities where young Kashmiris can participate in such activities.
After 8–9 PM, nightlife in districts, especially in South Kashmir, cuts off. That lack of healthy engagement can leave young people vulnerable to inappropriate behaviour, negative influences and narratives of conflict. Once such narratives enter the mindset of young Kashmiris, they can remain there for years.
This propaganda of uncertainty and violent behaviour needs to be countered with infrastructure, dignity and proper policy from the authorities. This gathering is a slap on the faces of those who continue to run propaganda about Kashmir in several countries.
The lack of infrastructure and proper roads leads to mismanagement and inconvenience to the public. But investing in sports and promoting a healthy night-life culture is something the Government needs to take up on priority—for healing, building trust and creating bridges with the people.
(The author is a Youth & Peace Activist)
