‘Won’t Let Anyone Play With Future of Players’: J&K Sports Minister Satish Sharma on Santosh Trophy Row Anchor:-Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Transport, Youth Services & Sports, IT, ARI and Trainings, Satish Sharma on Wednesday said the government has ordered an inquiry into recent controversies surrounding the Santosh Trophy selections, asserting that merit has not been ignored and that no one will be allowed to “play with the future of young players.” Speaking to reporters during his visit to north Kashmir’s Bandipora, Sharma said the Director General of Sports has been directed to submit a detailed report within seven days after consulting all stakeholders, including players from both Jammu and Kashmir. “If any mischief has been done, it will come out in the report. This should not be given a political colour,” he said, adding that the grievances of players who could not join the Santosh Trophy squad would also be addressed. The minister said the government is committed to strengthening sports infrastructure to keep youth away from drug addiction. He acknowledged shortcomings in existing stadiums and playgrounds and said upgrading sports facilities would be prioritised. “There is a clear link between playfields and preventing addiction. We will focus on creating better spaces for children to play,” he said. Sharma said winter sports and tourism would also be promoted that, including snow cricket in Gurez, which has gained popularity but lacks government support. He said a visit to Gurez is due soon to review facilities on the ground. On governance, Sharma said a scheduled review meeting in Bandipora had to be postponed due to the absence of local MLAs, but a full review meeting would be held shortly with all elected representatives present. He added that winter stocking of food grains has been completed 100 per cent and assured that any issues related to fair price shops would be resolved. The minister also spoke about plans to expand solar power, illuminate shrines and religious places, and explore the scope of science, technology and IT, including employment generation through BPOs. “This is a people’s government led by Omar Abdullah. We will work in coordination with all departments to address public concerns,” he said.