Srinagar:Target Facts, Not Individuals: Calls Grow to End Personal Attacks on J&K Sports Council Secretary S.O. 12 of 2022 Under Spotlight: Experts Say Sports Appointments Are Collective Decisions, Not Individual Discretion Pencak Silat Is a Recognized Sport; Misinformation on Social Media Misleading Public, Say Observers Srinagar, July 6 Amid growing debate over the appointment of Outstanding Sportspersons under S.O. 12 of 2022, several voices have urged that public discussion remain focused on facts, institutional procedures, and government policy rather than personal attacks against Ms. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council. Observers argue that criticism has increasingly shifted from questioning administrative decisions to targeting Ms. Gul personally, with her family and private life also being dragged into public discourse. They maintain that public servants should be evaluated on the basis of their professional conduct, integrity, and performance, while any grievances should be pursued through appropriate legal or administrative channels. According to officials familiar with the process, appointments under S.O. 12 of 2022 are not made by any single officer. The policy provides that selections are undertaken by a High-Powered Committee headed by the Chief Secretary, with senior officers from various government departments serving as members. The Secretary, J&K Sports Council, is one member of the committee and does not possess unilateral authority to approve or reject candidates. The policy, introduced in 2022, has remained in the public domain and is regarded by many as the first comprehensive and transparent framework governing appointments of Outstanding Sportspersons in the Union Territory. Those defending the process argue that government decisions are institutional and pass through multiple levels of scrutiny before implementation. Supporters also point to the expansion of sports activities across Jammu and Kashmir during recent years. Programmes such as My Youth My Pride and Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sports have increased grassroots participation, while improvements in sports infrastructure and wider opportunities for athletes from rural areas have been highlighted as significant achievements. The debate has also centred on Pencak Silat, with misleading claims circulating on social media suggesting that it is not a recognised sport. Sports officials and experts have rejected these assertions, stating that Pencak Silat enjoys national and international recognition and is governed by recognised sports federations. The discipline has also been included among eligible sports in recruitment notifications issued by several government organisations across India, including the Department of Posts, CGST, the Income Tax Department, Assam Rifles, and various state governments. Clarifying another point of controversy, officials noted that a government-appointed scrutiny committee had sought legal opinion regarding the consideration of achievements in Pencak Silat under S.O. 12 of 2022. Following legal examination, the competent authority clarified the relevant period for reckoning achievements in accordance with the policy and recognition granted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. Observers maintain that while public scrutiny of government policies is essential in a democracy, it should remain fact-based and respectful. They caution that the spread of unverified information and personal allegations not only undermines institutions but also affects the morale of genuine athletes who have earned recognition through years of dedication and hard work. They stressed that constructive criticism strengthens democratic institutions, whereas misinformation and personal vilification weaken public confidence. The larger focus, they said, should remain on transparency, accountability, and the continued development of sports and youth across Jammu and Kashmir.