Theatres Re-Opens in Jammu & Kashmir After 32 Years
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, inaugurated two cinema halls in Kashmir, one in Pulwama and the other in Shopian after 32 years.
On 18th September, Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha, inaugurated two cinema halls in Kashmir - one in Pulwama and the other in Shopian. This was not an ordinary event, as it marked the return of the big screen to the region after more than three decades. LG Manoj Sinha said that it was a historic day for J&K UT! He added that the administration will build such multipurpose cinema halls in every district of Jammu and Kashmir. Apart from screening movies, the multipurpose theatres will also be used for various other purposes like infotainment and skill development programs. The cinematic history of Jammu and Kashmir came to a halt 32 years ago, when Fatwas from Islamists shut down theatres and banned movies, labelling any such audio-visual entertainment “Haram,” which means something against Islamic principles.
Before the onset of Islamic terrorism in J&K in 1990, Jammu & Kashmir had 19 film halls in Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Sopore, Handwara, and Kupwara. However, these have either become ruins or are being used for various commercial purposes. In 1999, the Farooq Abdullah government attempted to revive cinema theatres by allowing 3 - 4 to begin filming movies.
However, a terrorist attack occurred during the first show at the Regal Cinema, killing one person and injuring twelve others. Terrorists had attacked the cinema hall with three powerful hand grenades, and as a result, the theatres were once again locked. The CRPF used the ruins of the historic Palladium Theatre in the centre of Srinagar as their camp at Lal Chowk. Another attempt to restore cinema halls was attempted two years ago during the BJP-PDP rule when then-chief minister Mehbooba Mufti applauded crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia’s decision to reopen movie theatres in the Islamic Republic of Saudi Arabia.
However, Hurriyat leader Sayyed Ali Shah Geelani and other Islamists in the valley were opposed to any attempt to reopen cinemas. The Jammu and Kashmir government released its first film policy in August 2021, months after the Jammu and Kashmir Film Development Council (JKFDC) was established to encourage filmmakers. The key objectives of the policy are to reopen closed cinema halls and set up multiplexes in the Union Territory. A three-screen INOX with a total capacity of 520 seats will be opened in Srinagar next week. What do you think about this historic inauguration? Do mention your thoughts in the comment section below.
