Jammu: Exemplary punishment would be meted out to anti-India elements and the separatist ecosystem if they compromise the country’s integrity or try to put people’s lives in danger, said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday.
He warned those trying to disrupt normal life in the Union Territory or dreaming of bringing “disorder that existed before 2019”, saying the law enforcement agencies were “monitoring” them.
In August 2019, the BJP-led Central government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.
According to an official press release, addressing a gathering after inaugurating the joint edition of the Jammu Film Festival (JFF) and the International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS) at Aquaplex Crown, Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu, the LG said, “Peace, vibrant movie culture and economic prosperity are interlinked. I want to warn those trying to disrupt normal life or daydreaming of bringing disorder that existed before 2019.
“Our law enforcement agencies are monitoring the anti-India elements and separatists ecosystem. If they try to put people’s lives in danger or compromise India’s integrity, we will ensure exemplary punishment for them,” he said.
Sinha said entries from more than 50 countries to the film festival “are a testimony to a vibrant, peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.
He called upon filmmakers to utilise their craft to inspire people to follow the right path, serve their art and give priority to national interest.
“Cinema is a vital element of soft power and the global popularity of our film industry has contributed to bonding with different cultures around the world. Good cinema is not just entertainment but also influences the greater cause of service and human values,” Sinha said.
On the occasion, the LG also spoke on the “progressive” Film Policy of J&K and series of initiatives, including operationalization of cinema halls in Kashmir, incentives to film-makers, single window portal, taken by the government to create a vibrant film ecosystem in the Union Territory. He said that Jammu & Kashmir will host the International Film Festival next year.
At the inaugural ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor paid homage to famous Theatre and Film personality of J&K, Mushtaq Kak and recalled his “outstanding” contribution to the world of cinema and theatre.
The LG also lauded the efforts of ‘Vomedh Organization’ for promoting cinema in Jammu & Kashmir and felicitated various stakeholders associated with the event. Film-maker and actor, Pankaj Khajuria was conferred with the Mushtaq Kak award.
Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism Department; Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu -Samba -Kathua Range; Rohit Bhat, president Vomedh and Festival Director of Jammu Film Festival & TIFFS; senior officials, participants of the film festival, industry professionals, prominent artists and cinema enthusiasts were present.
