JAMMU, Feb 10, 2026 — Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Minister Satish Sharma issued a forceful call for a complete boycott of sporting ties with Pakistan on Tuesday, asserting that India should cease all athletic engagements with its neighbor.
Speaking to the media outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly complex, Sharma argued that continuing to play cricket or other sports with Pakistan is untenable while the country continues its hostile actions and shows a blatant lack of respect for Indian sacrifices.
The Minister’s remarks were centered on the emotional and security-related toll of cross-border conflict. “It should be banned. Why are we even naming that country?” Sharma stated, emphasizing that India’s global stature is far superior and should not be compromised by engaging with a nation that fails to honor the Indian Armed Forces.
He specifically highlighted that those who insult Indian martyrs and continue to shed blood in the region do not deserve the privilege of diplomatic or sporting interaction with India.Addressing the human cost of the conflict, Sharma noted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed firsthand the loss of life among both soldiers and civilians.
He warned against “misplaced goodwill,” suggesting that pretending normalcy exists through sports is a futile way to combat deep-seated hatred.
“They are the same people who are killing our soldiers and carrying out attacks,” the Minister added, concluding that peace cannot be built on a foundation of continued aggression, and India must stand firm in its refusal to engage with those who cause daily harm.
