Srinagar: From stone-pelting to cinemas, south Kashmir has come a long way from August 2019 as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated multipurpose cinema halls at Pulwama and Shopian districts.
South Kashmir districts which used to be always hot-spots of stone-pelting and strikes, is now emerging as a destination of cinemas and theaters as the UT administration aims to have such cinema halls in all districts.
“We will build such multipurpose cinema halls in every district of Jammu and Kashmir soon. Today, I dedicate such cinema halls to the youth of Pulwama and Shopian,” Sinha told reporters in Pulwama.
Taking to Twitter, Sinha described the occasion as “historic”.
“A historic day for J&K UT. Inaugurated Multipurpose Cinema Halls at Pulwama and Shopian. It offers facilities ranging from a movie screening, infotainment and skilling of youth,” he said.
Students, youth and people from all walks of life gathered at the new cinema halls at Drussu Pulwama and MC Shopian to witness the event, an official spokesperson said.
These cinema halls have been established by the government’s Mission Youth department in collaboration with the respective district administrations.
The spokesperson said cinema halls in Anantnag, Srinagar, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar and Reasi will be inaugurated soon.
“The LG dedicated the cinema halls to the people, especially the youngsters, who have waited for a long time for this moment,” he added.
Sinha shared the government’s vision of similar multipurpose cinema halls in every district under Mission Youth.
Kashmir’s first INOX multiplex in Srinagar’s Somwar area will be thrown open to the public next week. It will have three movie theatres with a total capacity of 520 seats.
“Cinema is a powerful creative medium which reflects the culture, values and aspirations of the people. It opens the door to the world of knowledge, new discoveries and enables people to get a better understanding of each other’s culture,” Sinha said.
“Jammu and Kashmir has a long association with the world of cinema. The new film policy and facilities created has once again made the Union territory the favourite shooting destination and has brought back the golden era of film-making here,” he added.
“With the support of Mission Youth, district administration, Jadooz Group and the society, I am confident the timeless creativity offered by cinema will be appreciated across generations,” Sinha said.
“Cinema has played a huge role in social change in our country; giving us role models, inspiring us to work for the society and for the nation,” the LG added.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to make the youth empowered, the LG said the government is ensuring that the talented youth of J&K get the right platform and modern facilities for education and skill development.
