Chidambaram expresses displeasure over Services team not playing in Srinagar

JAMMU - Union Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram on Wednesday expressed his displeasure over the Services team, representing the armed forces, pulling out of the Ranji Trophy match in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing reporters in Jammu, he urged people to forget the incident as a bad incident.

“Lets put it behind as a bad incident, they have apologised and we should accept the apology putted behind us, and I will assure you that if this issue had come to my notice earlier then this would not happen…but any sports event scheduled for Srinagar will take place and I will see the Cricket match will take place in Srinagar,” said Chidambaram.

It may be noted that the Services team, refused to play the Ranji Trophy match in Srinagar, citing security reasons.

Later the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) apologised to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and sought fresh dates for playing the match in Srinagar.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chidambaram arrived in Jammu to review the security situation and assess the progress of Prime Minister’s rehabilitation package for the displaced Kashmiri migrants.

He also visited Jagti Satellite Township at Nagrota, about 15-kms from Jammu, where flats are under construction for the displaced Kashmiri Pandit migrant families.

Chidambaram also held discussions with the members of Apex Committee for the return of Kashmiri Migrants, formed by the provincial government.

“I have heard three of members speaking on behalf of the Apex Committee. I have noted down their concerns and issues I will discuss it with the Chief Minister and we will find an answer to the issues. This was not my last meeting with the Apex Committee, we will meet again from time to time,” said Chidambaram.

Kashmiri Pandits left their ancestral homes in 1989 when militancy broke out in the state.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced that the government would provide an assistance of 750,000 rupees to any family, hich will undertake renovation/reconstruction of their houses located in the valley. (ANI)