Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Sep 10
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that the film industry could open a new source of employment for young people in the region as the government works to develop local skills.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar said young people would be encouraged to train in camera work, production and other technical aspects of filmmaking.
The comments came as the four-day International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir was drawing to a close.
The CM said the government had been looking from the beginning of the festival at ways to connect local youth with the film industry and create employment opportunities.
On a protest by a Kashmiri Pandit seeking accommodation, he said accommodation had been provided to those eligible and urged anyone still requiring it to approach the administration.
CM Omar criticised what he described as protests without sufficient grounds.
About the use of the national song Vande Mataram at official functions, he said the administration was required to follow statutory obligations, including provisions governing official events.
“We have never accepted Vande Mataram as a party,” he said, adding that the government would nevertheless comply with legal requirements.
The CM also defended National Conference spokesman Tanvir Sadiq over remarks about poverty in Kashmir, saying the historical condition had been documented and did not warrant an apology.
He said Kashmir had since progressed significantly, with families educating their children and producing professionals.
CM Omar also accused the BJP and PDP of jointly pursuing the controversy.
On the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi, he said it would not disrupt government functioning, noting that the Cabinet’s regular business would continue.
