Playground not to be converted into garden in Srinagar

Srinagar, Apr 7 (UNI) Authorities in the Kashmir valley have finally decided to develop the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) playground in the heart of the city as a mini stadium.

Hundreds of footballers and other sports lovers took to the streets to protest against government's decision to convert the only playground into a tulip garden.

''We welcome the government's decision to develop the TRC ground into a mini stadium where a number of sports activities are being held everyday,'' former Indian footballer Abdul Majid Kakroo said.

He said this decision was taken during a meeting yesterday chaired by Jammu and Kashmir sports minister Babu Singh.

Kakroo said the authorities have started earth filling to make the ground more comfortable for the game.

The minister announced that TRC ground would remain a play-field Kakroo thanked Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and sports minister for their personnel intervention in the matter.

Last year, the government had decided the conversion of the only field in the city evoking resentment from the players especially footballers.

Mr Kakroo had threatened to go for self-immolation if the government converted the ground into tulip garden.

UNI