Srinagar| Sept, 12 : This week in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond, cinema, diplomacy and security remained among the key stories. From the successful conclusion of the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir and Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman’s praise for Kashmir, to BRICS’ renewed position on Palestine and a security review in south Kashmir, here are the key developments in brief.
1. IFFJK Ends With Call To Bring Filmmakers Back To J&K: The first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) concluded in Srinagar with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inviting filmmakers to return to the region and explore its stories, people and culture. The closing ceremony featured performances by veteran singer Usha Uthup and Kashmiri singer Gulzar Ahmad Ganai, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the festival’s finale.
2. A.R. Rahman Praises Kashmir, Backs Greater Film Collaboration: Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman described Kashmir as a “beautiful” and “blessed” place and welcomed the launch of IFFJK. He said the Valley’s natural beauty, peaceful surroundings and hospitality could attract filmmakers and artists from across the world, while calling for greater collaboration between Bollywood musicians and Kashmiri artistes.
3. Tasrufdar’s IFFJK Win Celebrated By Mir Sarwar: Actor and filmmaker Mir Sarwar hailed the Best Film award won by Kashmiri-language film Tasrufdar at IFFJK as a proud moment for the region’s entire film fraternity. Directed by Kapil Mattoo, the film brought together artists and technicians from Kashmir, with Sarwar describing the award as both a collective and personal achievement.
4. BRICS Reaffirms Support For Palestinian Statehood: The BRICS New Delhi Declaration reaffirmed support for a lasting two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and called for stronger international support for Palestine. The grouping backed a sovereign and viable Palestinian state within internationally recognised 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, while opposing forced displacement and changes to Gaza’s demographic or geographic character.
5. IGP Kashmir Reviews Security Grid In Kulgam, Shopian: IGP Kashmir Sujit Kumar reviewed the security situation, counter-terrorism grid, crime mitigation measures and law-and-order preparedness during visits to Kulgam and Shopian. He called for stronger intelligence gathering, close inter-agency coordination and swift responses to emerging threats, while directing field formations to maintain sustained pressure on terrorist ecosystems.
