09/09/2025
Press Release
Jammu & Kashmir Music Artists Federation, Srinagar
Srinagar, September 9, 2025
A delegation of the Jammu & Kashmir Music Artists Federation Srinagar, led by noted artist and cultural activist Ustaad Waheed Jeelani, today called on the Hon’ble Chief Minister of J&K, Jenab Omar Abdullah, in Srinagar. The meeting was held in the presence of the Chief Minister’s Advisors Jenab Nasir Aslam Wani and Jenab Mudasar Shahmiri.
The delegation included senior artists Ustaad Abdul Rashid Hafiz, Ustaad Gulzar Ahmad Ganai, and Jenab Munir Ahmad Mir, who placed before the Chief Minister several long-pending issues concerning the propagation of art and culture in Jammu & Kashmir. They highlighted the urgent need for institutional support, revival of cultural programs, and welfare measures for the artist community, which has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the region’s unique identity.
The Chief Minister listened with keen interest and assured full government support to the artist fraternity. He emphasized that the cultural legacy of Jammu & Kashmir is one of its greatest strengths and assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be given due attention.
On this occasion, a detailed memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister. The key points included the appointment of competent art-sensitive officers in cultural institutions, creation of scholarships and pensions for senior artists, revival of cultural hubs such as Tehzeeb Mahal, strengthening of All India Radio Srinagar and Doordarshan Srinagar, promotion of cultural tourism and exchange programs, preservation of indigenous art forms, and the formulation of a comprehensive cultural policy. The memorandum also sought the intervention of the state government in urging the Union Ministries of I&B, Culture, and External Affairs to extend financial and institutional support to J&K’s cultural sector.
The Federation expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his positive response and conveyed hope that under his leadership, serious steps will be taken to safeguard and promote the rich musical and cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir.
Issued by:
Jammu & Kashmir Music Artists Federation, Srinagar
