Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announces film festival and cabinet reshuffle

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a review meeting for the inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK) slated for September 2026. He emphasized the festival’s role in reviving the region’s cinematic legacy, attracting international filmmakers, and generating tourism, investment and employment opportunities. The four‑day event will feature competitions, documentaries, short films, animation, regional cinema, industry forums, workshops and cultural programmes, with plans for digital outreach, branding and partnerships.

Abdullah also stated that a cabinet expansion will be undertaken around the Jantar Mantar protest scheduled for the first day of the Monsoon session in July. The reshuffle could add up to three more ministers, raising the council from six to the nine‑member limit allowed under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The move follows criticism of current ministers over fund allocation and conduct, and may involve reallocating portfolios.