Srinagar, November 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called for a united societal effort to eliminate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that lasting peace can only be achieved with the cooperation of every section of society. He was speaking at the inauguration of the International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS), organized by the Vomedh Group.
“We must eliminate every single terror element within the society to completely restore peace, and this effort requires the cooperation of all sections of the public,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Urging filmmakers to use cinema as a means of truth-telling and social awareness, Sinha encouraged them to create films that narrate the ordeals of terror victims, expose the masterminds of the terror ecosystem, and depict the transformation witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir since August 2019.
He appealed to citizens to support security forces by providing information about anti-national elements. “People must expose the enemies of peace by informing the police and security agencies so that the entire terror network hiding behind social fronts is dismantled,” Sinha said, adding that such vigilance would deliver a “befitting reply” to the hostile intentions of the neighbouring country.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the sacrifices and tireless efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and other security agencies in creating a fear-free environment over the past six years. “Society must come together to guard this peace, progress, joy, and renewed hope,” he added.
Emphasizing Jammu and Kashmir’s historical connection with Indian cinema, Sinha outlined the administration’s initiatives to promote ease of film shooting and revive the region’s cinematic legacy. He urged filmmakers to balance entertainment with social responsibility, noting that “cinema is one of the most powerful tools for shaping social narratives, fostering cultural unity, and promoting the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”
The fourth edition of the International Film Festival of Srinagar has received more than 100 entries from 20 countries. An eminent jury has shortlisted 20 short films, six feature films, and four documentaries for screening, with selected works representing nations including India, Poland, Russia, Sri Lanka, the USA, France, Germany, Turkey, and Switzerland.
The three-day festival celebrates global storytelling and cultural exchange, symbolizing Jammu and Kashmir’s artistic resurgence.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Festival Directors Rohit Bhat and Rakesh Roshan Bhat; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg; DIG CKR Rajiv Pandey; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo; members of the Vomedh Group, Avanti Foundation, and Landmark Crafts Limited; as well as prominent artists, film personalities, and cinema enthusiasts.
