Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the final arrangements for the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK 2026), directing all concerned departments and agencies to work in close coordination to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for filmmakers, artists, delegates and audiences.

The meeting reviewed the key features, participation, programming, venue arrangements, cultural presentations, publicity strategy and departmental responsibilities for the four-day festival, which is being positioned as a major international cultural and creative platform for Jammu & Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Home; Principal Secretary, Culture; Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department; Divisional Commissioners, Jammu/Kashmir; IGP (POS); Commissioner Secretary, Floriculture; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Director, Information; Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation; Director, Hospitality & Protocol; Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir; Director, School Education, Kashmir; Director, Estates; Joint Director, Information Jammu/Kashmir; GM, NFDC and other senior officers of DIPR.

The Chief Secretary took detailed note of the arrangements being put in place for the successful conduct of the festival and directed the Divisional and District Administrations to remain fully geared up to ensure seamless, professional and glitch-free conduct of the marquee event.

He stressed the importance of close inter-departmental coordination and directed all concerned agencies to discharge their assigned responsibilities efficiently and in unison.

Emphasizing the significance of the inaugural edition, Atal Dulloo called upon the NFDC to make special efforts to bring a larger number of acclaimed filmmakers, actors and other prominent personalities from the film fraternity to Jammu & Kashmir.

In addition to that the detailed roles and responsibilities of the concerned departments and agencies were also discussed during the meeting. The Chief Secretary emphasized that the success of such a major international event would depend on seamless coordination, timely execution and a shared sense of ownership among all stakeholders.

The Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and ensure that every aspect of the festival from hospitality and protocol to venue management, security, civic amenities, transportation, cultural programming and public outreach is handled with professionalism and efficiency.

He underscored that the festival is envisaged as an annual international event from this year onwards, and therefore its inaugural edition should establish high standards of organisation, programming and audience engagement.

Giving a detailed presentation on the festival, Director Information & Public Relations, Shreya Singhal, highlighted the extensive international participation secured for IFFJK 2026. She highlighted that the inaugural edition will showcase an expansive lineup of 135 films representing 41 countries, bringing together diverse cinematic traditions, storytelling formats and creative voices from across the world.

Adding that India leads the country-wise participation with 64 films, followed by France with 13 and Iran with 8. Argentina and Spain will contribute four films each, while Brazil, Germany, the Russian Federation and the United States will have three films each.

A further group of countries, including South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Qatar, Colombia and Türkiye, among others, will each contribute curated films, giving the festival a distinctly global character.

A major attraction of the inaugural festival will be its proposed ₹96 lakh total prize purse, distributed across nine award categories to recognise excellence in filmmaking and cinematic craft.

The Best Film award carries the top prize of ₹25 lakh, while Best Director and Best Debut Film of a Director will carry ₹15 lakh each. Reflecting the festival’s special focus on the region, the Best Film – J&K Select category carries a prize of ₹10 lakh.

The performance categories of Best Actor (Male) and Best Actor (Female) carry ₹8 lakh each, while the technical categories of Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design and Best Editing carry ₹5 lakh each.

The award structure, she said, has been designed to celebrate artistic excellence as well as the diverse creative and technical dimensions of filmmaking.

Adding a distinctive visual and experiential dimension to the festival, a Floating Screen on the waters of Dal Lake near SKICC is also being installed as part of the festival experience.

The initiative is expected to provide an iconic setting for film screenings while showcasing the unique cultural and natural landscape of Jammu & Kashmir to visiting filmmakers, artists and delegates from across India and abroad.

The Director Information also elaborated on the festival’s masterclass programme, which will provide aspiring filmmakers, students and cinema enthusiasts an opportunity to engage directly with leading professionals from the industry.

The three-day master class series will feature acclaimed director Vidhu Vinod Chopra celebrated editor Namrata Rao, Veteran sound designer Baylon Fonseca in addition to Chittranjan Tripathi from NSD, Supriyo Sen (IDPA), Anil Mehta and many others from the film industry. A workshop too by canon is planned where it will showcase latest camera gadgets and equipments to students and enthusiasts.

The meeting was also briefed about the proposed participation of prominent national and international film personalities, jury members and members of the Steering Committee.

Details of live performances planned for the opening and closing ceremonies were also shared. The cultural programme will feature leading national and local artists, with performances designed to showcase the rich, diverse and vibrant cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir alongside contemporary artistic expression.

The meeting was further briefed about the publicity and branding strategy being undertaken through social media, national and local media platforms, as well as outdoor promotional campaigns, aimed at generating wider public engagement and building anticipation around the festival.

With its diverse international film selection, substantial prize purse, leading industry master classes, participation of eminent personalities and unique cultural programming, IFFJK 2026 is set to provide Jammu & Kashmir with a new global platform for cinema, creativity tourism promotion and cultural exchange as envisaged as the outcomes of this festival of international repute.

The officer formally took over the charge this afternoon, shortly after the Home Department ordered a major reshuffle in the police department.

Earlier in the day, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir ordered transfers and postings of 14 police officers with immediate effect vide Government Order No. 438-Home of 2026.

As part of the reshuffle, Sujit Kumar, IPS (AGMUT:2007), who was serving as IG Security J&K, was posted as IG Kashmir Zone.

V K Birdi, who was holding the charge of IGP Kashmir, has been relieved of the post following the new posting.

Senior officers of Kashmir Zone were present on the occasion and extended their wishes to the new IGP.

Sujit Kumar has earlier served in various important capacities in J&K including in Kashmir Valley and is considered well-versed with the security challenges of the region.

During the tour, Sakeena Itoo laid the foundation stone for remodelling of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Chatroo, being executed at an estimated cost of ₹13.27 crore. The project is expected to give a significant boost to educational infrastructure and provide improved facilities to the students of the area.

The Minister also inaugurated NTPHC Inderwal and inspected the ongoing work on Government Degree College (GDC) Chatroo, for which she had sanctioned ₹10.62 crore.

Sakeena Itoo was accompanied by MLA Inderwal, Pyare Lal Sharma and ADDC Kishtwar, Vinod Kumar Behal, along with other officers and officials.

During interaction with the public at TRC Chatroo, several issues concerning the upgradation of schools and strengthening of health infrastructure were brought to the notice of the Minister. She gave a patient hearing to the concerns and assured the people of every possible support for their early resolution.

The Minister also asked the MLA Inderwal to submit a consolidated list of the demands and issues raised by the public so that the same could be taken up for immediate redressal on a priority basis.

In a significant announcement, Sakeena Itoo stated that NTPHC Mughal Maidan would be upgraded to a PHC, while PHC Chatroo would be upgraded to a Sub-District Hospital. These measures are aimed at further strengthening the healthcare delivery system and ensuring improved medical facilities for the people closer to their homes.

At TRC Chatroo, Sakeena Itoo distributed motorized tricycles, wheelchairs, baby kits and baby blankets among beneficiaries. Under the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” initiative, she also distributed sports kits and school bags to various Government Schools and handed over hearing aids to beneficiaries.

On the occasion, she also distributed appointment letters among the newly appointed Anganwadi Workers.

PO ICDS Kishtwar, Rishi Kumar Sharma; CEO KDA Kishtwar, Kaiser Bhawani; CAO Kishtwar, Kushal Chandel; CHO Kishtwar, Sajid Mustafa; CEO Kishtwar, Sanjay Dogra; CAHO Kishtwar; SDM Chatroo, Nayeem Ur Rehman; DSWO Kishtwar, Tariq Parvaiz Qazi; DIO Kishtwar/CDPO Inderwal, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar; Dy. SP Chatroo, Nitish Sharma besides other officers and concerned staff were present on the occasion.

The four-day festival is being envisioned as a premier international platform celebrating cinematic excellence, cultural exchange, creative collaboration and emerging filmmaking talent, while providing an opportunity to forge partnerships with film fraternity across different countries and showcasing the rich cultural and cinematic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

Commissioner Secretary Information, R Alice Vaz, briefed the Chief Minister on the festival, which includes screenings across categories such as International Competition, Cinema of the World, Bharat Panorama, J&K Select, Best Debut Film, Documentary/Hybrid and Short Films. The programme will also feature masterclasses, panel discussions, in-conversation sessions, round tables and workshops involving filmmakers, actors, critics, scholars and other prominent personalities from the film industry.

The meeting reviewed arrangements at the principal festival venues, including Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), INOX Shivpora Srinagar and Waves Cinema Jammu, besides the proposed floating cinema at Lalit Ghat. Preparations for the Gulmarg excursion for a select group of filmmakers were also discussed, including visits to the Gondola, Golf Course, Gulmarg Club and other prominent attractions.

The Chief Minister emphasised the need for close inter-departmental coordination and timely completion of all arrangements to ensure a seamless experience for filmmakers, artists, delegates, guests and audiences.

He directed all concerned departments and agencies to remain fully geared up and ensure that every aspect of the festival is put in place well ahead of its commencement.

Omar Abdullah called for prominently showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage, cuisine, handicrafts, traditional art forms and iconic tourist destinations during the festival.

He stressed that meticulous planning and seamless coordination among all stakeholders would be essential to establish IFFJK as a premier annual event on the global film calendar.

The meeting also took stock of security and traffic arrangements, airport facilitation, hospitality and protocol, accommodation, transportation, medical facilities, power supply, sanitation, beautification, venue preparedness and other logistical requirements. Dedicated liaison and nodal officers are being put in place to facilitate coordination with the Information Department and visiting guests.

The Information Department was tasked with maintaining a consolidated action matrix covering departmental responsibilities, timelines, progress and pending issues, besides coordinating invitations, participant facilitation and media arrangements. Plans for extensive publicity and branding of IFFJK at regional and national levels through print, electronic, digital and outdoor media were also discussed.

The festival is expected to bring together filmmakers, artists, storytellers, industry leaders, policymakers, academicians, students and audiences from across the country and abroad, creating opportunities for dialogue, networking and collaboration through cinema.

The Chief Minister stressed that IFFJK should emerge as a flagship international event that showcases Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural richness and creative potential to the wider world, while creating meaningful opportunities and a wider platform for local filmmakers and emerging talent.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, ACS Finance, ACS Tourism, Commissioner Secretary Information, Secretary Education, Secretary Culture, Secretary Transport, Secretary Hospitality & Protocol, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone, IGP Security, Director Information, Heads of Departments of line departments, and senior officers of the concerned departments and agencies.

The officers briefed the Chief Minister on the status of preparations and the action being taken to ensure the successful conduct of the festival. The outstation officers participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

The health camp will be held from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Paras Health, Durganag, Dalgate, Srinagar. The initiative is designed to encourage preventive healthcare, facilitate timely medical consultations and enable individuals to seek expert advice for a broad spectrum of health concerns.

As part of the camp, free doctor consultations will be available across multiple specialities, including Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Gastro Sciences, Neuro Sciences, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Urology and Paediatrics.

In addition to complimentary OPD consultations, participants will have access to free blood pressure checks and blood sugar tests. Attendees can also avail themselves of a 20% discount on laboratory and radiology services, helping make further diagnostic evaluation more accessible.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Murtuza Haibib, Facility Director, Paras Health Srinagar, said, “At Paras Health Srinagar, we believe that access to timely and expert medical advice is an important part of building a healthier community. Through this multispeciality health camp, we aim to bring together specialists from diverse fields and provide people with an opportunity to address their health concerns, undergo basic screenings and understand the importance of early diagnosis and preventive care. We encourage people across Srinagar and neighbouring areas to make use of this initiative and take a proactive step towards their health.”

Dr. Shafat Ahmad Kenu, Paras Health Srinagar, added, “A health camp of this nature provides a valuable platform for individuals and families to interact directly with specialists and seek guidance for conditions that may otherwise go unattended. From cardiac and orthopaedic concerns to neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, renal, urological, oncological and women’s and children’s health issues, the camp brings a comprehensive range of expertise closer to the community. We look forward to welcoming residents and making this initiative meaningful for everyone who attends.”

Experienced Specialist Panel

The health camp will feature consultations with a multidisciplinary team of specialists from Paras Health Srinagar, including: Dr. Mohsin Raj Mantoo, Consultant, Interventional Cardiology Dr. Yawar Haider, Consultant, Orthopaedics, Dr. Naeem Firdous Dar, Principal Consultant, Pulmonology, Saqib Ahmad Shah, Consultant, Medical & Hemato-Oncology, Dr. Shabnam Bashir, Director, Surgical Oncology, Dr. Hamza Wani, Associate Director, Surgical Gastroenterology; GI & Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgeon, Dr. Misba Hul Bashir Masoodi, Consultant, Gastroenterology, Dr. Rahil Rafiq, Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery, Dr. Irfan Hussain Bhat, Principal Consultant, Neurosurgery, Dr. Toufeeq Ahmad Mir, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Dr. Rouf Hussain Tak, Principal Consultant, Internal Medicine & Rheumatology, Dr. Sadia Lanker, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dr. Sarafaraz Ahmad Kasana — Associate Consultant, Paediatrics & Gynaecology, Dr. Muzzamil A. Andrabi, Associate Consultant, Nephrology, Dr. Younis Mushtaq, Associate Consultant, Urology.

The presence of specialists from such a broad range of disciplines will allow visitors to seek expert guidance for both ongoing health conditions and symptoms that may require further evaluation.

Camp Details

Event: Free Multispeciality Health Camp
Date: August 23, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Venue: Paras Health, Durganag, Dalgate Bridge, Munshi Bagh, Srinagar
Consultations: Free
Health Checks: Complimentary blood pressure and blood sugar tests
Special Offer: 20% discount on laboratory and radiology services
Registration: 9103273278 / 9103272750

Residents are encouraged to register in advance and make the most of the opportunity to consult specialists from multiple medical disciplines. The camp is particularly aimed at promoting early detection, preventive healthcare and informed medical decision-making, while connecting the community with specialist healthcare services.

Pertinently, Paras Health is a healthcare institution focused on delivering comprehensive, specialised and patient-centric medical care. Through its network of healthcare facilities and multidisciplinary teams, Paras Health works towards providing advanced clinical expertise and accessible healthcare services to communities across India.

The event was attended by Commander Shakti Vijay Brigade, SDM Karnah,former MLA Karnah, Mr Kafeel-ur-Rehman, former MLA Karnah Mr Raja Manzoor Khan, Chairman Civil Society Karnah Mr Peerzada Siraj-ud-Din Qureshi, Ex-Servicemens, former PRI representatives, Sarpanches, Numberdars, school students, civil society members, poets,cultural artists and representatives of the Indian Army.

The celebrations commenced with a colourful Tiranga Rally, which began from the Tithwal Cricket Stadium which proceeded towards Azmat-e-Hind. carrying the National Flag and raising patriotic slogans.Participants marched with enthusiasm, turning the rally into a powerful expression of national pride and collective spirit.

A vibrant cultural programme which followed, showcased the talent of local students and artists. Students of Army Goodwill School, Teetwal-Karnah, along with Karnah Shining Band and Zaid Musical Team presented patriotic songs and cultural programme that received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Adding a rich literary dimension to the celebrations, renowned Pahari Poets – Mr Abdul Rashid Lone, Mr Abdul Rashid Qureshi, Mr Mushkoor Ahmad Shad and Mr Iftikhar Qureshi presented patriotic poetry and shayari on the occasion.Their performances highlighted the cultural richness and literary traditions of Karnah while reinforcing the message of national unity.

Addressing the gathering, Commander Shakti Vijay Brigade,Brigadier Dharmander Yadav,SM conveyed his warm greetings to everyone present on the occasion and spoke about the responsibility of every citizen in nation-building. He emphasised that, patriotism must extend beyond national occasions and find expression in everyday life through discipline, hard work, dedication and responsible citizenship.

He also stressed on the need to empower the women in our society and also encouraged the youth to make goals for themselves and remain focused towards achieving them. He emphasized that, success is only built through perseverance, sincere effort,hard work and determination.

Commander also appreciated the contribution of the local community, students, ex-servicemen, civil society, cultural fraternity and all stakeholders for making the celebrations a memorable occasion. Participants and performers were also presented with token of appreciation in recognition of their enthusiastic participation and involvement.

The programme concluded with the National Anthem, followed by an interaction and high tea. The presence of people from different walks of life transformed the occasion into a celebration of freedom, unity, brotherhood and shared national pride.

The participation of more than 1000 people made the Independence Day celebrations at Tithwal a significant community event, reflecting the deep patriotic spirit and inclusive character of the people of Karnah, particularly in this strategically important border region.

The celebrations were led by Director Information, Shreya Singhal, who hoisted the National Flag.

On the occasion, the Director Information extended warm greetings to all officers and officials on the 80th Independence Day. She highlighted the significance of the day, recalling the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and the values of unity, democracy, integrity and national service that continue to guide the nation.

Joint Director Information (Hqrs), Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Raina; Deputy Director Information (PR/AV), Javid Ahmad Rather; other officers and officials of the DIPR were also present on the occasion.

The celebrations featured an impressive march-past by SKIMS Security, J& K Police and the CRPF Battalion, followed by a vibrant cultural programme presented by school children, adding colour and patriotic spirit to the occasion.

The event was attended by senior administrative officers, faculty members and employees of SKIMS, including Medical Superintendent SKIMS, Prof. Farooq A. Jan; Additional Director SKIMS, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Mir; Director Finance, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Wani.

Addressing the gathering, Director SKIMS, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, said that the transformation of SKIMS represents an important milestone in the journey of Viksit Bharat, with the institution emerging at the frontline of excellence in specialised healthcare, academics, research and human resource development.

Highlighting the institution’s progress over the last two years, Prof. Ganie said SKIMS has witnessed unprecedented growth across multiple domains. Expansion and modernisation of infrastructure, decentralised governance, strengthening of specialised patient care and development of Centres of Excellence for producing highly skilled human resources have remained at the core of SKIMS’s functioning.

He expressed gratitude to the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir for its continued support in advancing several key initiatives at the institution.

Referring to recent milestones in highly specialised healthcare, Prof. Ganie highlighted the first successful matched unrelated donor (MUD) stem cell transplant and swapped kidney transplantation at SKIMS, saying these achievements underline the institution’s growing capabilities in delivering advanced and specialised patient care.

He said his focus has remained on holistic, compassionate and patient-centric care, with initiatives such as a special Tulip Garden visit for paediatric oncology patients, round-the-clock medical services for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and awareness programmes under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan forming an integral part of this approach.

On academics and research, the Director said SKIMS has demonstrated continued vibrancy through the organisation of national and international conferences, CMEs and academic programmes on critical and emerging healthcare issues. He said publications from SKIMS in prestigious international journals, including The Lancet and Nature, reflect the growing research calibre and academic strength of the institution.

Prof. Ganie also expressed gratitude to Chief Secretary J&K, Shri Atal Dulloo, for his continued support and for facilitating several important initiatives at SKIMS. He particularly referred to the recent holding of the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) meeting at the SKIMS campus for the first time, describing it as a significant institutional milestone.

The Director appreciated the dedication and contribution of every employee of SKIMS, saying that the institution’s transformation is the result of collective effort and a shared commitment to building SKIMS as a premier Centre of Excellence in healthcare, education and research.

The celebrations concluded with a colourful cultural programme presented by the students of IPTS KhanSahib Budgam.

An award ceremony was also held to recognise and appreciate the efforts of staff involved in the successful conduct of the Independence Day celebrations.
The senior faculty SKIMS which was part of the award ceremony included HOD Radiology Prof. Irfan Robbani Gastroenterology, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad;  Prof. Feroz Shaheen; H.O.D Neurosurgery Prof. Sarabjit Singh, HOD Biochemistry Prof. Syed Mudasir, HOD Gynaecology & Obstetrics.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Romshoo extended Independence Day greetings and reflected on India’s remarkable transformation into a nation of growing global consequence, driven by advances in science, technology, education, and innovation while remaining rooted in its rich civilizational heritage and values.

Emphasising the pivotal role of universities in nation-building, he said that India’s greatest strength is its youth power, which must be empowered not merely as beneficiaries of development but as partners in innovation, entrepreneurship, governance and societal transformation. He observed that the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 must also be a journey from opportunity to participation and from participation to ownership.

Prof. Romshoo said that IUST has sought to translate this philosophy into action through the implementation of NEP 2020, multidisciplinary and future-oriented academic programmes, skill development, Project-Based Learning, research and innovation infrastructure, and a vibrant incubation and start-up ecosystem. The University’s significant growth in start-ups and incubatees, he said, demonstrates how higher education can enable young people to move from job seekers to innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators.

He stressed that universities must increasingly become bridges between knowledge and society, youth and opportunity, and regional aspirations and national development. Welcoming the new batch of students, Prof. Romshoo urged them to cultivate curiosity, creativity and compassion, embrace emerging technologies, and use their knowledge to solve societal problems and contribute to building a peaceful, prosperous, innovative and Viksit Jammu & Kashmir and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Paying homage to the countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the difficult journey, struggle and sacrifice for independence. He also paid tribute to the civilians who tragically lost their lives in unfortunate natural calamities this year.

“On this historic day, I join all citizens in paying heartfelt tributes to our founding fathers and the valiant sons and daughters of Mother India who sacrificed their lives for country’s freedom. Let us strive to realize their cherished dreams of building a peaceful, prosperous Jammu Kashmir and a great nation. The truest tribute we can pay to our martyrs and freedom fighters is to resolve to work with integrity and safeguard our hard-earned freedom,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he expressed strong confidence in India’s potential to emerge as a global leader. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that citizens must unite to foster an inclusive society that prioritizes the public interest and extends compassion to the underprivileged.

“Let us strive for balanced growth and the economic empowerment of women to build a more humane and compassionate society. We must prioritize empowering women and youth, generating jobs and ensuring environmental sustainability. Our ongoing initiatives, such as revitalizing heritage sites, restoring ancient monuments and undertaking massive afforestation drives, stand as a testament to our steadfast commitment to sustainable development,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also emphasized the importance of every citizen’s active contribution to realizing the vision of a self-reliant Jammu Kashmir and Viksit Bharat by 2047, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Calling upon all the citizens of UT of Jammu Kashmir to dedicate themselves in nation-building, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the necessity of transparency and accountability in governance.

The Lieutenant Governor congratulated all the brave personnel of the J&K Police and CAPFs who received gallantry medals on the eve of Independence Day, while also commending sportspersons for their exceptional achievements and contribution to the Union Territory’s pride. He urged everyone to renew their commitment to serving the nation with greater vigour, sincerity, and dedication.