KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Nov 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called upon filmmakers to use cinema as a medium to narrate the ordeal of terror victims, expose the ringleaders of terror networks, and highlight Jammu and Kashmir’s remarkable transformation after August 2019. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 4th International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS), organised by the Vomedh Group.
Sinha said that complete peace in Jammu and Kashmir can only be achieved when every single element of terrorism is eliminated from society, and this requires the collective effort and cooperation of all sections of the public. He urged people to come forward and expose those who disrupt peace by sharing information about them with the police and security agencies so that the entire terror ecosystem hiding behind the social fabric can be dismantled and the evil intentions of the neighbouring country defeated.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that after years of tireless work and countless sacrifices by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, intelligence agencies, and security forces, the Union Territory has succeeded in creating a fear-free environment. He said a safe, supportive, and inclusive system has now been established to enable the youth to realise their dreams. Society, he emphasised, must come together to safeguard this peace, progress, joy, and renewed hope.
Sinha also spoke about the various initiatives undertaken by the administration to facilitate ease of film shooting and revive Jammu and Kashmir’s age-old bond with the Indian film industry. He encouraged filmmakers to balance entertainment with social responsibility, saying that cinema is one of the most powerful tools to shape social narratives, foster cultural unity, and promote the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
The 4th edition of the International Film Festival of Srinagar has received more than 100 film entries from 20 countries. A distinguished jury panel has shortlisted 20 short films, 6 feature films, and 4 documentaries for screening. The selected feature films represent countries including India, Poland, Russia, and Sri Lanka, while other participating nations include the USA, France, Germany, Turkey, and Switzerland.
The three-day cinematic celebration aims to showcase films that bridge cultures and celebrate storytelling. The festival stands as a vibrant symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s artistic resurgence, attracting filmmakers and audiences from across the world and establishing the region as a growing hub for global creative exchange.
Among those present at the inaugural event were Festival Directors Rohit Bhat and Rakesh Roshan Bhat, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, DIG CKR Rajiv Pandey, and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo. Members of the Vomedh Group, Avanti Foundation, Landmark Crafts Limited, along with prominent artists, film personalities, and cinema enthusiasts, also attended the ceremony.
