Kashmir was a film hub before Switzerland, says CM; hopes festival revives industry interest
J&K CM Omar Abdullah hopes the Srinagar film festival reminds Bollywood of Kashmir's legacy as a shooting destination, while also addressing security and other issues.
Speaking on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed hope that the event would remind the Indian film industry of Kashmir's historical appeal as a shooting location.
"We are trying to remind the film industry in India that before Switzerland and other countries, films were made in Kashmir," Abdullah told media. He suggested that a renewed interest in filming could generate local employment opportunities.
The festival, which runs from September 7 to 10, is the first of its kind in the region. Titled 'Rang-e-Cinema', it will showcase 135 film submissions from 41 countries at venues including the Sheri Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) and INOX PVR in Srinagar, Waves Cinema in Jammu, and the Gulmarg health resort.
Abdullah also fielded questions on his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that he remains in "constant touch" with the central government. He noted that several matters, including statehood, business rules, and reservation issues, were discussed.
Addressing recent threat letters issued to Kashmiri Pandit government employees, Abdullah urged the security establishment to take the matter seriously. He recalled past targeted killings of migrants based on ethnicity or religion, stating that such incidents cannot be afforded again. "We've already paid a heavy price for what happened in the early 90s," he said.
The Chief Minister also condemned the recent mosque demolition in Saharanpur, alleging that decisions were made based on religion. He referenced RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent speech in New York, where Bhagwat stated that a true Hindu cannot believe Muslims have no place in India. Abdullah suggested the central government should act on such statements, adding that "these people say one thing and do something else."
Regarding the alleged police assault on two women journalists in Delhi, Abdullah called the incident "extremely unfortunate," noting that the treatment of Muslims as outsiders is concerning.
On the ongoing strike by medical interns demanding a stipend increase from Rs 12,500 to Rs 30,000, Abdullah said the situation "should not have come to this." He stated that assurances have been given and deferred further details to Education Minister Sakin Itoo, expressing hope for a swift resolution.