Cinema returns to Baramulla | India News

BARAMULLA: Baramulla and Handwara saw the return of cinema halls after 33 years on Saturday, with LG Manoj Sinha raising the curtains on two 100-seater complexes in the twin north Kashmir towns.
The inaugurations are part of a continuing drive by the Sinha-led UT administration to reopen cinemas shuttered by terrorism over the past few decades, revive the theatre-going culture, expand entertainment options and buttress the message of normality in the aftermath of the August 2019 abrogation of J&K’s special status.
Last year, Sinha inaugurated cinema halls in Shopian and Pulwama. A multiplex had come up in Srinagar, too. The LG has vowed to set up a theatre in every district, saying the people of the region should have the “big-screen experience”. Jammu and Kashmir was once a cinema haven and a setting for many iconic Bollywood films.
At the Baramulla and Handwara inaugurations Saturday, Sinha congratulated the people on the “momentous occasion” and describedtheatres as a “reflection of J&K’s growing aspirations”. The new theatres, built under public-private partnership, also have a cafe, conference and seminar facilities for the youth. They will start screenings soon with Pathan.
Baramulla had two theatres till 1990, Rigina and the army-run Thimaya, but these had to be wound up after the outbreak of insurgency.
The LG also inaugurated various development projects in Baramulla. “Baramulla is moving towards becoming an Inspirational District from an Aspirational District. It has made impressive strides towards development,” Sinha said.
Reiterating the J&K administration’s commitment to socio-economic empowerment of all, the LG said marginalised sections had the “first right” to government resources. “The vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas has brought transformation in the lives of the underprivileged.”