Editorial | Save Kashmir’s artists

Nations are known for their art. For art, there is a need for an atmosphere for artists to express without fear and also artists require work that is paid. In Kashmir, none of it exists and artists are facing an existential crisis. The government should create avenues as well as an atmosphere for artists and their creativity to thrive. They can be roped in, with good payments, to create awareness on social issues. The government should also include artists, like troupes of baands, in its awareness schemes. These artists know the nerves of the society, so their involvement could be greatly helpful. The recent fear and apprehension among sections of the population regarding COVID19 vaccine could have been removed by involving these ground-level artists. While giving artists avenues to work, the government should, however, also create an atmosphere free from fear in which the art grows and thrives. That way, artists will survive without becoming the organs of propaganda.