Mehbooba welcomes Saudi decision to lift ban on cinema halls

Srinagar, Dec 13 : Welcoming the decision of the Saudi Arabia Government decision to lift a decade-long ban on cinema halls in the country, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said introspection and self-reform are marks of a progressive society.

However, all cinema halls remained shut in the Kashmir valley since the eruption of militancy in early 90s though efforts were made to reopen some of the entertainment halls in Srinagar.

Taking to micro-blogging site twitter the Chief Minister said, “I welcome the decision by Saudi Arabia to lift a decade-long ban on cinemas as part of a series of social reforms by the crown prince”.

Introspection & self reform are marks of a progressive society, said Ms Mehbooba, who was recently re-elected president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the sixth consecutive term.

All cinema halls, wine shops and beauty saloons were closed in the Kashmir valley following militant threat in early 90s.