Khubaib Mir
The businesses in Kashmir used to close early due to the fear of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists and separatists, there was no nightlife for three long decades.
Terrorists and Pakistani stooges who were active in the Kashmir Valley, however stand surrounded and their ability to run a parallel system has been broken in recent years, leading to a resurrection of nightlife in Kashmir. The restoration of Kashmir’s original splendour was made possible by the repeal of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. The brave move made by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi effectively linked the region with the Union of India and put an end to the dominance of the anti-peace groups.
As of right now, Srinagar’s Downtown is bustling with activity until late at night. Youth now play football, cricket, and other sports in well-lit stadiums till midnight, and the fear and threat of terror that used to prevail with sunset has completely vanished.
There are no longer any terrorists carrying weapons or grenades since the security agencies have all taken them down to size. There are no longer any grenade or crossfire attacks, separatist shutdown calls, or stone-throwing incidents anywhere in the Valley.
A simple citizen in Kashmir has breathed a sense of relief as normalcy has returned. He is working quietly while he completes his regular tasks. The business establishments are now open till late hours thanks to the resurgence of nightlife, which has increased sales and profit margins for entrepreneurs.
The J&K Tourism Department has been working hard over the past few years to ensure that visitors to the valley are not required to check into hotels after 8 p.m. The lighted lights on the moving Shikaras make the Dal Lake sparkle like a diamond. Shikara proprietors now have longer workdays, which implies more customers for them.
The nightlife in Kashmir has taken on a new dimension thanks to activities like heritage tours, artisan exhibitions, late-night musical performances, and many others. The hotels, eateries, and fast food stands that once closed their doors at sundown now stay open until the wee hours of the morning.
Inox, the first multiplex in Kashmir, was inaugurated by Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of the UT of J&K, last year. It is crucial to be aware that in the early 1990s, shortly after Pakistan-sponsored terrorists started to appear on Kashmir valley’s streets, movie theatres were forced to close. The Inox, formerly known as the Broadway theatre, is located in Sonwar in Srinagar. In addition to this, two multipurpose movie theatres have been recently opened in South Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian, previously considered as terrorist hotspots.
The threat perception Is fading, and entertainment venues like movie theatres are resurfacing.
It’s noteworthy that previous political regimes didn’t show any interest in reviving Kashmir’s nightlife. The instability in Kashmir and the imposition of Pakistani proxies’ will on the public appear to have been acceptable to the politicians who ruled J&K up till the repeal of Article 370.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown that strong leaders can make courageous decisions for the good of the people. Since 2019, the Centre has made sure that residents of Jammu and Kashmir have access to all services that are provided to all citizens nationwide.
In J&K, the common man has taken centre stage, and the government has done all possible to let him play a significant role in maintaining the peace. People in J&K are now an integral element of progress, peace, and prosperity thanks to the current administration’s actions that are centred on the needs of the people.
The administration has concentrated on destroying terrorism and the ecosystem that supports it. Supporters of terrorism are currently confined and isolated, while those who value peace have started down the path of progress.
Young people in Naya Kashmir are free to continue their activities till late hours by taking part in different sporting events, musical performances, art and craft exhibitions, etc, that are held in every section of the city. Instead of staying at their hotels, tourists now have the choice to tour Kashmir. Late-night family outings are possible. Without threats, intimidation, or fear, Now shopkeepers, restaurateurs, and street sellers can continue operating their enterprises well into the late night, and moviegoers can go to movie theatres.
After Article 370, a temporary constitutional clause was repealed, the populace clearly noticed a positive difference.
(The author is
President, Voice of Youth Largest
youth based organisation).
