Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 8: The artists of Kashmir are extremely concerned over Government’s proposal to convert famous Tagore Hall into a cinema.
Around a dozen artists assembled at central market here and held a silent protest against the proposed move. The artists expressed concern over the conversion of valley’s famous cultural center into a cinema hall.
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They said that the hall has been the favorite haunt of artists over the decades and its history is linked with the tradition and culture of the valley. “We have heard that the Tagore Hall is being converted into a cinema. We are not against setting up of cinemas but it is our cultural identity and we do not want it to be converted it into a cinema hall. It’s our cultural asset,” Nissar Naseem, an artist said.
He added that the Government can use the buildings of old cinemas for the purpose. “The Government has number of buildings available which can be used for the purpose. Before moving ahead with the decision the Government should consider its importance,” he said.
The protesting artists said that the move will be akin to playing with the emotions of thousands of artist, writers, and academicians who use the facility to showcase their art. Like the rest of the country the Tagore Hall was constructed to promote cultural activity and artists have been performing for last seventy years. “They should not convert this place as it is directly linked to our culture,” he said.
Farooq Fayaz, a noted writer said this place has been the hub of theatre and used for the cultural activities in the Valley. “Whether it is a rumor or news it should not happen. We are worried. Government has plenty of options available. We only have this place where performing artists have been performing from decades,” Farooq Fayaz, An artist said, adding that Government should save this place for the wider interests of cultural fraternity of Kashmir.
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