Srinagar Jan 09: Amid no access to internet, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to restore cinema and open-air theatres in Srinagar and other districts of Valley.
Officials told news agency that the Jio Cinema is in touch with the Jammu and Kashmir administration to provide content at identified locations. The administration has issued a circular to all deputy commissioners to identify land to start open air theatres across the Valley.
They said the other plan which is in the consideration of administration is to convert the famous Tagore Hall into a cinema hall. At least 11 cinema halls were closed down in Kashmir in 90’s with the onset of militancy.
Notably, the Farooq Abdullah led government in 1996 opened two cinema halls – Broadway and Neelam – but failed to attract local youth and were again closed. However government in year 1999 reopened Regal cinema but that too had been stopped when unknown militants hurled a grenade in the first week of its opening.
Meanwhile scores of local artists assembled at the central market two day before and held a silent protest against the move to convert the Tagore Hall into a cinema hall.
“We came to know that the Tagore Hall will be turned into a cinema. It is our cultural identity. The government can use the buildings of old cinemas for the purpose”, protesting artists told media.(JKNS)
