Omar Abdullah – Central News Hub

Omar Abdullah Reviews Heritage Projects in J&K

Omar Abdullah also directed the department to revive the restoration of Naagar Nagar at the foothills of Hari Parbat, a project halted a decade ago, to save its deteriorating walls…reports Asian Lite News

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a review meeting of the Department of Culture focusing on revitalising Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage and infrastructure.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasised the original vision behind the conceptualisation of Tehzeeb Mahal in Srinagar, underscoring its role in promoting local artists.

“Tehzeeb Mahal must serve as a space where artists can showcase their talent while preserving its core theme. Wherever possible, the available space should be expanded to align with this vision,” he said.

Omar Abdullah also directed the department to revive the restoration of Naagar Nagar at the foothills of Hari Parbat, a project halted a decade ago, to save its deteriorating walls.

Speaking on the need for a comprehensive Cultural Policy for J&K, the Chief Minister urged the department to consult stakeholders.

“Engage with the stakeholders to formalise a robust Cultural Policy,” he added.

He also called for immediate filling of departmental vacancies to ensure seamless functioning.

Earlier, Principal Secretary Culture presented a detailed overview of the department’s functioning, highlighting its initiatives through directorates such as Archives, Archaeology & Museums, Libraries and Research, and the Academy of Art, Culture & Languages.

“The progress on various key projects was reviewed, including the restoration of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and archival repositories,” an official statement said.

The meeting was informed about the digitisation of archival records which has been fully completed in Jammu and is 50 per cent complete in Srinagar, with six lakh records being shifted to a new facility near Kala Kendra at a cost of Rs 7.2 crore.

The meeting also discussed the 100-day target for cultural and heritage development in Jammu and Srinagar.

Key initiatives include the operationalization of a new archival repository, modernization of the SRS Library under the Smart City Project, restoration of 16 heritage sites, and the completion of several library and cultural infrastructure projects. A special presentation on Tehzeeb Mahal gave details of its design, architectural heritage revival, and cultural elements, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting J&K’s rich legacy.

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Omar Abdullah alleges ‘The Kashmir Files’ manipulating truth

Opposition parties are criticising the film for showing “half-truth”, reports Asian Lite News

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah alleged that several parts of the film ‘The Kashmir Files’, which focuses on the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the valley in the 1990s, are “false” and said that “BJP-backed Governor rule” prevailed at that time.

Addressing the media in Kulgam, Omar said that in the 90s, Farooq Abdullah was not the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Many false things have been shown in ‘The Kashmir Files’ movie. During that time, Farooq Abdullah was not Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister but Governor rule was there. VP Singh’s government was there in the country which was backed by BJP,” Omar said.

The film has been mired in controversy since its release on March 11 with the BJP and Opposition parties having conflicting views on it.

At a BJP Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for the recently released film ‘The Kashmir Files’ against attempts, he claimed were being made to discredit it.

On the other hand, Opposition parties are criticising the film for showing “half-truth”.

Meanwhile, the Central government has accorded ‘Y’ category security cover to ‘The Kashmir Files’ director Vivek Agnihotri with CRPF cover pan India.

The pain & suffering of 1990 & after can not be undone. The way Kashmiri Pandits had their sense of security snatched from them & had to leave the valley is a stain on our culture of Kashmiriyat. We have to find ways to heal divides & not add to them. https://t.co/D5vzZ994Z8
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 18, 2022

The movie, which had released in theatres on March 11, stars Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar, and others.

It revolves around the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990 and has been directed by Vivek Agnihotri, known for films like ‘Tashkent Files’, ‘Hate Story’ and ‘Buddha in a Traffic Jam’.

The film has been declared tax-free in several states including Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Goa, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand.

‘Don’t manipulate the truth’

The National Conference said while the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits was a “stain on Kashmiriyat”, the movie was far from the truth as the film makers have ignored the sacrifices of the Muslims and Sikhs who had also suffered from terrorism.

Vice President of the party and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that if ‘The Kashmir Files’ was a commercial movie, no one would have had an issue, but if the film makers claim that it is based on reality, then the facts are the other way round.

The Kashmir Files.(Photo: IMDB.com)

“When the unfortunate incident of Kashmiri Pandit migration took place, Farooq Abdullah was not the chief minister. Jagmohan was the governor. It was VP Singh’s government at the Centre which was supported by the BJP from outside,” Abdullah told reporters in Damal Hanji Pora of Kulgam district of South Kashmir.

Abdullah wondered why this fact was kept away from the movie.

“Don’t manipulate the truth. It’s not the right thing.

“If Kashmiri Pandits have fallen victims to terrorism, we have utmost regret about that, but let us not forget the sacrifices of Muslims and Sikhs who were also targeted by the same gun,” he said.

Abdullah said that some of those from the majority community were yet to return.

A scene from the movie ‘The Kashmir Files’

“Today, there is a need to create an atmosphere where we could bring back all those who had left their homes and not create a communal divide,” he said.

The former chief minister said an atmosphere would be created for the return of Kashmiri Pandits.

“But I do not think that those people who have made this movie, want them (Kashmiri Pandits) to return. Through this picture, they want Pandits to remain outside always,” he said.

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