Law enforcement agencies keeping eye on those trying to disturb peace: LG

Jammu, Nov 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday warned that law enforcement agencies were constantly monitoring the activities of all those “trying to disrupt peace and bring back days of disorder in J&K.”

He asserted that exemplary punishment would await people involved in “anti-India, separatist and terror activities” and “their facilitators.”

In the same vein, he stated that the strictest action under the law would also be taken against those resorting to propaganda, challenging the country's integrity and sovereignty by misusing the right of freedom of speech and expression.

The Lieutenant Governor was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the joint edition of the Jammu Film Festival (JFF) and The International Film Festival of Srinagar (TIFFS), at Aquaplex Crown, Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu.

“I believe that peace, vibrant film culture and economic prosperity – all these elements are intrinsically inter-connected,” LG Sinha said. The entries from more than 50 countries were a testimony to vibrant, peaceful and prosperous J&K UT under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

In the same breath, in a stern warning to those who wanted to “bring back days of anarchy that existed before 2019,” LG Sinha said, “However the people, who want to disturb peace; those who try to hinder this free flow of vibrancy and disrupt normal life or daydream to revive disorder (that existed before 2019), need to remember that law enforcement agencies are constantly keeping an eye on such trouble-makers.”

“If such elements make any attempt to pose a threat, put people’s lives in danger or try to compromise India’s sovereignty and integrity, in any manner, I want to assure all the citizens of J&K that (law enforcement) agencies will identify all of them and bring them to justice. This is my solemn pledge. They (agencies) are monitoring all anti-India elements and separatists’ ecosystem and exemplary punishment will be ensured for them (for attempts to disturb peace),” the Lieutenant Governor warned.

He also shared his concern over some “disconcerting trends being witnessed recently.”

“For the past few days, I’ve been noticing yet another disturbing trend. Some people are trying to deceive the entire societal setup; create disharmony and provoke people as a renewed attempt (to disturb the peace). The Constitution (of India) has given freedom of speech and expression to all, as a fundamental right,” he said.

“People are free to exercise this right judiciously. However, the Constitution, keeping in view the sovereignty and integrity of the country, has put some reasonable and apt restrictions also in the exercise of this (fundamental) right. However, if some people are again resorting to this kind of propaganda (challenging the country's integrity and sovereignty) then the strictest action under the law will be taken against them. I believe, there should be no ambiguity, no doubt in the mind of anyone, on this account,” LG Sinha cautioned.

Though he did not mention it directly yet, one presumed that reference was to “demands about the restoration of special status, Article 370, two flags, two constitutions and related aspects.”

“As you all know that as been a prevalent trend during the past few years, in the garb of changes inside the country and even in the global order, some people try to damage the foundations of society and shake the confidence of the nation by creating disaffection among people. In a conscious society, we all need to be wary of such elements. I’ll appeal to the people, associated with film making in particular, to be very conscious of their duty on this account,” he remarked.

An official spokesperson said, in his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations to the organizers and all the participants.

He called upon filmmakers to utilise their craft to inspire people to follow the right path, serve their art and also give priority to national interest. He observed that cinema was a vital element of soft power and global popularity of the Indian film industry contributed to bonding with different cultures across the world.

“Good Cinema is not just entertainment but also influences the greater cause of service and human values. I believe a good film strikes a balance between entertainment and social concern,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor exhorted film-makers that they possessed a powerful medium of change which could play an important role in establishing equality, social justice and help in eradicating social evils.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the progressive Film policy of J&K and series of initiatives, including the operationalisation of Cinema Halls in Kashmir, incentives to film-makers, Single Window portal, taken by the government to create a vibrant film ecosystem in Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir.

He said that Jammu Kashmir would host the International Film Festival next year.

At the inaugural ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor paid homage to the famous theatre and film personality of J&K, Mushtaq Kak and recalled his outstanding contribution to the world of cinema and theatre.

LG Sinha also lauded the efforts of the ‘Vomedh Organisation' for promoting cinema in Jammu Kashmir and felicitated various stakeholders associated with the event.

Renowned film-maker and actor Pankaj Khajuria was conferred with the Mushtaq Kak award.

Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism Department;  Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu -Samba -Kathua Range; Rohit Bhat, President Vomedh and Festival Director of Jammu Film Festival & TIFFS; senior officials, participants of the Film Festival, industry professionals, prominent artists and cinema enthusiasts were present.