PRESS RELEASE
Srinagar, November 15, 2026: The Artist Convention 2026, held yesterday at a hotel in Srinagar, witnessed enthusiastic participation from delegates representing different parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Jammu, reflecting the growing need for a united platform to address the concerns of artists and cultural practitioners.
The convention was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Advisor to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Jenab Nasir Aslam Sogami, MLA Gulmarg, Jenab Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, MLA Pulwama, Jenab Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, Member Haj Committee, Jenab Zafar Iqbal Khan Manhas, Former Director Doordarshan, Mohtarma Shehzadi Simon, Former Director Radio Kashmir, Mohtarma Rukhsana Jabeen and eminent poetess, Mohtarma Naseema Shafaie.
Speaking in the First Panel of the Convention, prominent Actor, Theatre Practitioner, TV Producer, Research Scholar, Director of Film Festivals and Cultural Activist, Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan delivered a strong and impassioned speech, emphasizing unity among artists.
He said unity should not remain mere rhetoric, but must be translated into sincerity and collective action. He stressed on dignity, solidarity and walking the talk for the artistic community.
Expressing deep anguish, Mushtaaque said that instead of strengthening the already established indigenous platform of the ‘Kashmir World Film Festival’ (KWFF), a parallel festival was created without domain expertise, institutional memory and without the participation of a single local film professional, leading to wastage of taxpayers’ money.
He demanded:
Clarification on public expenditure incurred on the recent festival,
A policy to institutionalize and support credible private initiatives like KWFF, and
That future cultural events be led by professionals with central participation of local filmmakers.
Speaking on the crisis in institutions like Doordarshan Srinagar & DD Kashir, which for decades nurtured local talent, he said these institutions have drastically curtailed commissioning and in-house production, leaving hundreds of artists, writers, directors, producers and technicians without livelihood.
He concluded with a call for a united, dignified and empowered artists’ fraternity of Jammu & Kashmir.
