Latest revision as of 08:03, 17 March 2019

Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.

[edit] Islamabad

Town in the State of Kashmir, situated in 44' N. and 75° 12' E., about a mile from the right bank of the Jhelum, near the point where that river becomes navigable. Population (1901), 9,390. It lies under an elevated table-land, on the edge of which rises a conical hill, overlooking the town. From its foot flows a vigorous spring, the Anantnag, a name applied to the town by Hindus. There are numerous other springs, one of which, the Malik- nag, is sulphurous, and its water is highly prized for garden cultiva- tion. Some of the inhabitants are shawl-weavers, but a large number are engaged in agriculture. It is generally believed that Islamabad was once a large and {prosperous place, though now there are few signs of prosperity or growth. The sanitation has been much neglected, and this constitutes a danger to the health of the capital, Srinagar.

[edit] Heaven theatre

Rohan Dua & Aarti Tikoo Singh, In terror-hit Anantnag, CRPF revives ‘Heaven’ movie hall after 28 years, March 15, 2019: The Times of India

The last movie screened at Heaven Theatre, Anantnag was Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Kalia’ in 1991
From: Rohan Dua & Aarti Tikoo Singh, In terror-hit Anantnag, CRPF revives ‘Heaven’ movie hall after 28 years, March 15, 2019: The Times of India

Inside the forbidding iron gates manned by CRPF jawans, on a screen a little way in, Shahid Kapoor arrives on a motorcycle to woo ladylove Shradha Kapoor with song and dance, to loud whistles and cheers in the packed cinema hall in Anantnag.

Twenty-eight years on, this lively scene returned to one of the Valley’s most turbulent areas of south Kashmir, allegedly a “safe haven” of more than “200-odd terrorists from Pakistan” and local militants, reportedly why the Lok Sabha election to this seat has been spread over three days: April 23, 29 and May 6.

On March 6, CRPF revived the 70mm screen in its office at the 40 Battalion headquarters which had been reduced to rubble in a grenade attack in 1991. The building was a commercial property which was converted into a cinema hall, Heaven, by local businessmen in 1989.

“It’s an emotional comeback for the theatre. Heaven is synonymous with Kashmir and appropriately named by its owners. It was in a shambles for 30 years. We went around Delhi looking for a screen, Dolby speakers, film rights and projectors last year. We cleaned up the doors and made way for the same lights, re-painted the ticket window. That’s the film poster of ‘Batti Gul Meter Chalu’,” says Ashu Shukla, commandant, 40 Battalion, CRPF. “The movie was a hit here,” he grins.

The last movie screened here was Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Kalia’ in 1991, which still ignites the love for Bollywood among locals.

The last movie screened here was Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Kalia’ in 1991

Weekly screening at Anantnag movie hall

The Heaven theatre in Anantnag, which has been opened to civilians, has a seating capacity, including balcony seats, of

525. “We have done our bit to revive the cinema hall to give force personnel an evening of enjoyment but also an avenue for locals, especially younger generation, that such a culture existed,” said Ashu Shukla, commandant, 40 Battalion, CRPF.

For the first few weeks, the CRPF has decided to screen the movie “on the house” but later may keep the rates very nominal, not beyond Rs 30-Rs 50.

“We must have this continue for a long time. I’ve already seen Paltan and Batti Gul twice here,” said Khaleel, who works in the neighbourhood.

Operational concerns and routine encounters have pegged back the plans to screen the movie daily and restrict it for a weekly screening. A board with the Indian tricolour flags welcomes the moviegoers. “Reopening of Heaven Cinema hall, Ashajipora, Anantnag. Celebrating 50 years of 40 Battalion 1988-2018”.

On days when the theatre is closed for civilians, there’s always a hark back to Border, Uri. The tickets for Kalia in 1991 were sold here for Rs 7 for civilians and Rs 5 for those from armed forces. This included an entertainment tax of Rs 3.5 for civilians and Rs 1.75 for defence personnel. The last ticket pricing has been kept above the exit door along with framed glasses that show various triumphs of the forces over the years.