Srinagar, Mar 20 : A drama festival aimed at boosting theatre and projecting Kashmir as a safe place to visit kicked off in Srinagar.

Organised by the Academy of Art, Culture and Language, the week-long festival entertain theatre enthusiasts through different plays in Kashmiri and other languages.

A number of theatre artistes from different parts of the country have gathered here for the festival.

The organisers believe that the festival would boost theatre culture in the region.

"Theatre or drama is a powerful medium of expression. It helps in influencing the public opinion, preserving our culture. Whenever a play is staged it influences the people a lot," said Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture And Languages.

The festival is also aimed at projecting Kashmir as a safe place to visit.

"It is important to hold such festivals. It sends out a positive message to people outside Kashmir. If we can hold such events and festivals here then it will send across a message that the situation here is normal," said Mohammad Ashraf, actor.

Kashmir has been battling insurgency since it first broke out in 1989. (ANI)