T20 cricket tournament starts in Sopore

The tournament, in which 56 teams from Sopore town are participating, was inaugurated by Minister of State for Home Nasir Aslam Wani, a police spokesman said.

Superintendent of Police Sopore Imtiyaz Hussain said the "sole aim" of organising the tournament was to bridge the gap between police and the people.

"This event will provide an opportunity for us to know each other and clear some perceived misconceptions," he said.

Sopore town in north Kashmir's Baramulla district was made a separate police district several years ago after a surge in militant activities in the town and its adjoining villages.

The town has been a scene of violent protests and has witnessed regular gunbattles between security forces and militants over the years.

The teams will participate in the tournament on knock-out basis, the spokesman said.