Guns Fall Silent Along LoC: Bagtore Premier League Kicks Off Amid Renewed Peace in Bandipora's Gurez Sector

Aadil Abdullah 

Bandipora, June 9: Followong a period of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), calm has returned to the picturesque Gurez Valley in North Kashmir. The long-awaited silence of guns has brought with it a wave of relief and optimism, paving the way for the inauguration of the Bagtore Premier League—a major cricket tournament launched on Monday at High Ground Bagtore, near the LoC in Bandipora district.

The vibrant opening ceremony reflected the renewed spirit of the local population. Residents, once living under the shadow of conflict, welcomed the return of normalcy with open arms. The resumption of the tournament marks not only a revival of sports in the region but also a broader return to community life and youth engagement.

With the active support of the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Bagtore Premier League is hosting 27 teams from across Bandipora, underscoring the strong enthusiasm for the game. The tournament aims to serve as a platform for channeling youthful energy away from negative influences such as substance abuse and online gambling, and instead into constructive, team-based activity.

Speaking  to media one of the organiser expressed deep gratitude to the security forces and civil administration for facilitating the tournament.

 “Our mission is to provide the youth with positive avenues like sports to safeguard their physical and mental well-being. We’re extremely thankful to the Indian Army and civil administration for making this possible.”

One of the participating players echoed similar sentiments, saying,

 “It feels great to see cricket return to Gurez after recent tensions. We’re especially thankful to the Commanding Officer of the Indian Army and the organisers for giving us this opportunity. With 27 teams involved, we hope to build a strong sports culture. My message to all is simple: Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life.”

The Bagtore Premier League is fast becoming more than just a cricket competition—it stands as a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and unity. It reflects the collective determination of border communities to rise above adversity, and the unwavering support of security forces and local authorities in fostering peace and youth development.