When cinema reaches Kashmir

The efforts to bring Kashmir into the mainstream of Indian life have been going on for decades. Forces inimical to India and terror groups across the border used to thwart all such efforts till recently. However, some significant decisions by the Central Government have resulted in bringing a visible change in the Kashmir valley.

Currently, preparations are being made for the first election to the Legislative Assembly due next year. For that the voter’s list is being made. It was after long drawn political allegations and squabbles that the final voter’s list is now getting ready.

There are still many political parties and people in Jammu and Kashmir who are not happy with the Central Government’s decision to revoke the special status of Kashmir through an amendment. They bound to vent their anger in many ways.

Meanwhile, the decision to open cinema halls in Kashmir can be evaluated as a sign that things are becoming normal. Theaters were shut down three decades ago, when terrorism was rising in the region. Thus the people of Kashmir lost three decades of cinema viewing due to terrorism.

A multiplex in Srinagar opened yesterday on a test basis. Regular shows are planned to begin from 30th of this month. Other cinema theatres are also following suit. Though, there are fears of terror attacks in some areas, reports say movie lovers in the valley are excited by the new announcement.

A generation of people who have not seen a cinema in a theater for years, especially the youth, find these changes with a sense of relief.

During the heyday of terrorism, when phone services and internet facilities were curbed, the youth of the valley did not have any avenue for entertainment. That is why with the coming of cinema has resulted in a wave of enthusiasm among the young population.

When terrorists had a sway over the region, they were dead against cinemas and other entertainments. When the attacks against cinema halls became frequent, theaters were closed down completely.

Two theaters have been opened in places in southern Kashmir, such as Shopian and Pulwama, where terrorists still have a clout. Preparations are also going on to begin cinema halls in the ten districts of Kashmir.

It might be surprising to us that the youth and small children in Kashmir have not set foot in a cinema hall. The truth is that they were not allowed to do so by the terrorists.

The biggest challenge to the authorities after theaters are open will be the terror attacks. The authorities have already said that all necessary precautions will be taken before theaters are opened.

With the opening of cinema halls, new opportunities for film shooting will be there. After all, the scenic beauty of Kashmir is sure to attract producers from across India.