IFFJK Reflects Improved Peace and Changing Image of Kashmir: BJP Leaders
Srinagar, September 8: BJP J&K spokesperson Dr Abhijeet Jasrotia on Tuesday said the ongoing International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) reflected what he described as the outcome of sustained efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to promote peace, development and prosperity in the region.
Addressing a press conference, Jasrotia said the government had sought to change Kashmir’s longstanding image, which he said had been associated with stone-pelting, hartals, protests, killings and violence.
He said the hosting of an international film festival in Kashmir was a visible indication of the changing atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks on the prevailing peace in the region, Jasrotia questioned the contribution of the National Conference-led government towards creating the present environment.
“If Omar Abdullah himself acknowledges that peace is prevailing in J&K, the question is what his government has contributed towards creating this atmosphere,” he said.
Jasrotia also blamed what he termed political mistakes of the National Conference for contributing to alienation and turmoil in Kashmir, particularly referring to the controversy surrounding the 1987 Assembly elections.
He also mentioned the BJP’s protest at Lal Chowk against what the party described as the failures of the NC government, saying the BJP would continue to raise issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP spokesperson said developments since 2019 had contributed to a broader change in the region’s profile, with Jammu and Kashmir hosting several major national and international events and attracting increased attention from outside the region.
Meanwhile, BJP J&K spokesperson Altaf Thakur said the IFFJK should also be viewed in the context of developments that followed decisions taken after 2019.
He cited the hosting of the G20-related events in Kashmir and the arrival of international sporting events as examples of Jammu and Kashmir’s growing engagement with global audiences.
Thakur urged filmmakers to make greater use of the region’s scenic locations for film productions. ANB
|
