Jammu, November 28 (Scoop News) –The Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, A.R.Rather today called for sincere efforts to remove pain and agony inflicted on the people living in two sides of the line of control (LOC) due to 1947 partition adding that the issue needs to be tackled in its humanitarian perspective.
Speaking at an impressive function organized in the K.L.Saihgal Hall of Abhivnav Theater, to mark the promo release of the 1st ever Pahari feature film, ‘Lakeer’ Rather said that without compromising on the sovereignty of the country, there could be ways and means to remove the man made line of barrier between the divided families of Jammu and Kashmir, provided sincere efforts are made above political considerations.
Rather said no doubt the 1947 partition has divided the state in two parts geographically but it could not divide the hearts and emotions of the people living in two sides of the Loc despite passing of 60 years, except bringing pain, agony and difficulties. “Nevertheless, this pain could be healed up ,if sincere efforts and humanitarian initiatives above political considerations are taken,” Rather asserted .
He also referred to the initiatives taken by the government in past to address this burning humanitarian problem and regretted that a Bill was passed by the state Legislature in this regard which became casualty of controversy and could not be implemented though it was strictly in accordance with section 6 of the Constitution of J&K and Article 7 of Constitution India which deal with the definition of State subjects and citizens of India respectively . He said the Bill still exists in the statute book of the state legislature. He said the fallout of 1947 partition is really heart rendering adding that he himself has meet with a number of victims of the partition, who died while craving to meet their near and dear ones without fulfilling their will and wish.
Rather assured that the Government would positively consider the demand of Abhiyaan to exempt the feature film from entertainment tax adding that such imitative promote secularism and communal harmony which are the hallmark of our composite culture and ethos. He complimented the NGO for preparing this film and assured best possible support to it.
The feature film has been prepared by Abhiyaan an NGO dedicated to the mission of conserving and promoting the traditions and languages of the state. The film ’Lakeer’ portrays the gory reality of the division of the sate in 1947 and the pain it has brought on the people ever since. The concept, script and dialogues has been prepared by an NRI Ali Adaalat born in Mirpur (Pok).
The Minister for Revenue, Relief & Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla,Vice Chairman, Advisory Board for Pahari speaking people, Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari, Additional Secretary, Academy of Art Culture & Languages, A.S.Aman, Chairman-NGO Abhiyaan and Director of the film Shiv Dutt and a galaxy of writers and artists were present on the occasion.
Bhalla while lauding the NGO for its noble mission to promote languages of the state and strengthening the bonds of communal harmony said that it was need of the hour to produce such feature films for educating the younger generation about their cultural and traditions. He said film Lakeer is a best efforts to awaken inner voice of the people about humanity.
Bukhari in his vote of thanks sought government support and cooperation in screening the film among the Pahari speaking people living along 300 km long Pir Panchal borders in both sides of the Loc.