Urges filmmakers at TIFF to expose terror ecosystem
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called for the complete elimination of terror elements from society to achieve lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that this mission requires the active cooperation of all citizens.
Speaking at the inauguration of the International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS), organised by the Vomedh Group, the Lieutenant Governor urged filmmakers to create cinema that narrates the ordeal of terror victims, exposes ringleaders of the terror ecosystem, and highlights the transformation witnessed in J&K since August 2019.
“We must eliminate every single terror element within the society to completely restore the peace and this effort requires the cooperation of all sections of the public,” the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor exhorted the film-makers to come up with films, which narrate ordeal of terror victims, expose ringleaders of terror ecosystem and showcase the transformation after August 2019.
“People must expose the enemies of peace by providing information about them to the Police and Security Agencies, so that entire terror ecosystem hiding behind the cover in the society is neutralised and a befitting reply is given to the evil intentions of the neighbouring country,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that after the last 5-6 years of tireless, dedicated work and many sacrifices of the J&K Police, Army, Intelligence and Security Forces, we have been able to create a fear-free environment in J&K and established a safe, supportive and inclusive system for youth to realise their dreams.
“Society must come together to guard this peace, progress, joy and renewed hope,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor shared the efforts taken by the UT Administration to facilitate ease of film shooting and revive J&K’s bond with the film industry.
He also called upon the film-makers to strike a balance between entertainment and social responsibility.
“Cinema is one of the most powerful tools for shaping social narratives, fostering cultural unity, and promoting the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The 4th edition of The International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS) received over 100 film entries from 20 countries. An eminent jury panel has shortlisted 20 short films, 6 feature films, and 4 documentaries for screening. The selected feature films represent countries like India, Poland, Russia, and Sri Lanka. Other nations represented in the selections include the USA, France, Germany, Turkey, and Switzerland, among others.
The 3-days of cinematic celebration will showcase cinema that bridges cultures and celebrates storytelling. The vibrant cultural and cinematic festival serves as a powerful symbol of Jammu Kashmir’s artistic resurgence, drawing filmmakers and audiences from across the globe and solidifying its standing as a global platform for creative exchange.
Rohit Bhat and Rakesh Roshan Bhat, Festival Directors, TIFFS, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rajiv Pandey, DIG CKR; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; members of Vomedh group, Avanti Foundation, and Landmark Crafts Limited, prominent artists, film personalities and Cinema lovers attended the inaugural ceremony.
Meanwhile, “We have created massive infrastructure in 5 years and now young professionals must focus on development strategies to change J&K’s fortunes,” the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday. He said the massive investment in the last 5-6 years in human capital, Research & Development, Incubation Centres and University’s infrastructure will drive J&K’s economic growth. The Lieutenant Governor was addressing the Valedictory session of Foundation Day Celebrations of Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST). On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the IUST Innovation Campus, and a new Administration Block at IUST main Campus, Awantipora.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the transformation of IUST since 2021 and significant milestones achieved by the University in enrolment, startups incubation, sustainability, research and innovation.
“Academic programmes increased from 41 to 90 between 2021 and 2025, offering interdisciplinary and cutting-edge courses like AI, Robotics, Design Your Own Degree, Space Technology, Data Sciences, Apprenticeship based UG level Skill courses.
Applications in multiple disciplines are up from 3,000 in 2021 to 7,600 in 2025, with increased diversity from across J&K and beyond,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said that before 2021, external funding of IUST for research was merely Rs. 2 crore annually. In 4 years, more than Rs. 69 crore external funding was achieved for research.
“From a ‘zero’ start-up in 2021, the University has grown to incubate 93 start-ups in the last four years, hosted over 225 incubatees, and nurtured award-winning innovations in renewable energy, healthcare, and IT.
32 patents granted, 77 patents have been published, 33 more filed; additionally, two faculty ranked among top Indian scientists in their field. It is a matter of pride for IUST,” he further added.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the IUST for research innovation in developing low-cost energy resilient houses. He also asked the University to look into the ways for effective reuse of road and building construction material and promotion of cold-mix technology for more durable roads. IUST must also provide innovative solutions for communication technology to reach remote regions without relying on traditional signal towers, he said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that terrorism was the biggest enemy of the youth of Jammu Kashmir for more than three decades and it destroyed their dreams and aspirations. He said now our youth and young professionals are fulfilling their dreams and achieving their aspirations.
“However, our neighboring country and some of their terrorist elements sitting here are trying to disrupt this progress. We must be vigilant against such ecosystem and work together to foil their efforts. Jammu Kashmir has created its new destiny, a new identity and woven new dreams. This must be protected at all cost and those trying to shatter the dreams of our youth must be strictly dealt with,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department; Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS; Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof. Abdul Wahid, Registrar, IUST; senior officials, Heads of Departments, faculty members and students were present.
