Historical change in J&K: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha inaugurated multipurpose cinema halls in Pulwama and Shopian on September 18. After three decades and three years, the union territory has got cinema halls after the abrogation of Article 370.
After the inauguration, Sinha took to Twitter and called it a “historic day” for Jammu and Kashmir. “A historic day for J&K UT! Inaugurated Multipurpose Cinema Halls at Pulwama and Shopian. It offers facilities ranging from movie screening, infotainment and skilling of youth,” the LG tweeted.
Cinema halls were closed in Jammu and Kashmir since the 1990s because of unfavourable conditions due to the rise in militancy. However, now residents will be able to watch the cinema on the big screen after a long time.
Since the 1990s, cinema halls in Jammu and Kashmir have been closed due to unfavourable conditions caused by the rise in militancy. Residents will now, however, be able to watch movies on the big screen for the first time in a long time.
Handicrafts used in the cinema hall
INOX designed the multiplex. The Kashmiri handicrafts ‘khatamband’ and ‘papier mache’ were said to have been used in the cinema hall. A food court is also being built for visitors to the multiplex, according to a report citing an official.
Earlier, the Chairman of the project, Vijay Dhar had said that the youngsters in the union territory should get the same facilities in the cinema that they get outside the UT.
“We saw there had been no such thing here for 30 years. We thought why not? So we have just started. The youngsters should get the same facilities in the cinema which they get in Jammu or in other towns of the country,” he had said.
Previously, Jammu and Kashmir was a popular filming location, but this has since declined due to militancy in the region during the 1990s.
In August, Project manager, Vishaq said, “We are starting the first multiplex in Kashmir designed by INOX. There are three auditoriums in which the latest sound systems are installed. A silver screen is being used. Recliner seats, as well as normal chairs, are also made available.”
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) Leader Mohd Syed Khan has called the opening of cinema halls in UT a “social evil” and claims that students will lose study time as a result.
