Srinagar, Mar 5 (JKNS): Anger is mounting among artists and creative professionals of Jammu and Kashmir over what they describe as the continued neglect of the cultural sector by the government led by Omar Abdullah.
Members of the artistic fraternity say that despite repeated meetings and assurances, their pressing and long pending issues remain completely unaddressed.
Artists have alleged that the present government has placed the entire cultural and creative community at the lowest priority, showing little seriousness in resolving the burning problems faced by artists across the region.
They say the continued silence and inaction of the government have created deep frustration and disappointment among those who have dedicated their lives to preserving the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
The resentment has further intensified over the recent appointments made in the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and the Department of Culture.
According to members of the artistic community, several officers holding key positions have absolutely no understanding, background or vision related to art and culture.
Artists have termed such appointments as damaging for the cultural institutions of the region and have demanded an immediate reshuffle. They have urged the government to replace these officers with competent and knowledgeable professionals who genuinely understand the cultural landscape and the challenges faced by artists.
The cultural fraternity has warned that if their concerns continue to be ignored, it will only deepen the growing sense of alienation among artists who have long served as ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich artistic and cultural legacy. (JKNS)
