Thursday, September 1, 2011

Kashmiri writers disappointed at litfest cancellation


Several Kashmiri writers have expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the much-anticipated Harud literature festival in Srinagar. Twitter users have also registered their protest on the microblogging site.

Srinagar-based poet Naseem Shafaie feels that the festival offered a good opportunity for those writing in Dogri, Ladakhi and Kashmiri to display their talent. "I was looking forward to hear what writers from these regions think in today's time, especially since we don't get to read them in Kashmir. It's an opportunity lost for them," says Shafaie, whose first collection of poetry, Derche Machrith (Open Windows), was much appreciated.

Expressing disappointment over the cancellation of the litfest which was scheduled to be held next month, another Srinagar-based author and academic Neerja Mattoo said that "If Waheed Mirza (The Collaborator) and Sanjay Kak (Until my freedom has come) could release their books in Srinagar, surely those who write in Kashmiri, Dogri and Ladakhi should have had the freedom to showcase their literary talent before writers of international repute. That they have been deprived of this opportunity is a shame."

Full report here Times of India 

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