Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Nov 20: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday said that freedom of speech can’t be used to challenge the country’s sovereignty as agencies are keeping a close watch on elements trying to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere.
Addressing the gathering in Jammu after inaugurating the Joint Edition of Jammu Film Festival and The International Film Festival of Srinagar, the Lt Governor said everyone has a freedom of speech and speaks his or her heart out. “But freedom of speech can’t be used to challenge a country’s sovereignty as there are some constitutional bindings as well,” the Lt Governor said..
Without naming anyone, the LG said some people are running false propaganda to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in Kashmir. “Agencies are keeping a close watch on such elements and law will take its own course against such people,” he said. “Those trying to disrupt the peace will have to face law.”
The Lt Governor extended his felicitations to the organizers and all the participants of the event. “The entries from more than 50 countries are a testimony to vibrant, peaceful and prosperous J&K UT under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said. “Peace, vibrant movie culture and economic prosperity are interlinked and I want to warn those who are trying to disrupt normal life or day dreaming of bringing disorder that existed before 2019.”
The LG called upon filmmakers to utilise their craft to inspire people to follow the right path, serve their art and also 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 across the world,” he said, adding that “Good Cinema is not just entertainment but also influences the greater cause of service and human values. I believe a good film is one which strikes a balance between entertainment and social concern,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor exhorted film-makers that they possess a powerful medium of change which can play an important role in establishing equality, social justice and help in eradicating social evils.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor 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 Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir. “Jammu Kashmir will host the International Film Festival next year,” he said. “At the inaugural ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor paid homage to the famous Theatre and Film personality of J&K, Mushtaq Kak and recalled his outstanding contribution to the world of cinema and theatre.”
The Lt Governor also lauded the efforts of ‘Vomedh Organization’ for promoting cinema in Jammu Kashmir and felicitated various stakeholders associated with the event. Renowned film-maker and actor, Pankaj Khajuria was conferred with the Mushtaq Kak award. (KNO)
