Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed may be diplomatic while answering questions on opening of cinema theatres in Kashmir Valley and why not he has valid reasons to go by but when it comes to film shooting he is open in inviting Bollywood to come to Valley. As everyone knows shooting won’t go public but will rake in money but opening of theatres as seen could be a ‘cultural invasion’ which would rake in more money in terms of entertainment tax from the movie goers. The closing of theatres howsoever has not been able to stop the private viewing of films through the smuggled DVDs. In an era of technology infusion and internet it looks illogical to think by banning movies in theatre can safeguard the culture. There is no invasion as perceived by a section of the society for the reasons best known to them . People have alternate choices and they choose as per their own comfort and convenience which no diktat can change or alter. But in this war of ideologies it is the government which is financially deprived of a major share of revenue in terms of entertainment tax in particular and in general the masses deprived of the real entertainment and the industry a big market of young and educated and financially independent strong population who today are global citizens and not just confined to the regional boundaries. Cinema theaters were closed in Kashmir Valley in 1989 following eruption of militancy and the militants in the past have scuttled any efforts to reopen these entertainment venues. If the State Government is really serious that Bollywood should comeback for shooting of films, the industry linked with entertainment too would expect that the people’s choice should also have the freedom to choose and not that militants diktat continues. Why entertainment becomes a victim of myopic ideology? Militancy has not made good and tourism too was victim of this battle. But tide is turning. People want the change and the Mufti government should not hesitate in taking positive step to revive the entertainment industry just as the previous National Conference Government led by Omar Abdullah showcased the mesmerizing Zubin Mehta concert in 2013 despite all objections . There is always space for moderation and change. That is what the youth of Valley today must be yearning for.
