Seizure of signboard asking tourists to avoid alcohol draws criticism
Srinagar, Feb 22 : The alleged seizure of a signboard installed by the Traders Association in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, urging tourists to refrain from alcohol, has sparked strong criticism from political leaders on Saturday.
Srinagar Lok Sabha MP and National Conference leader Ruhullah Mehdi questioned Jammu and Kashmir Police, asking, “Will the police clarify which law was violated by the signboard.”
“Even appealing to tourists to respect local sensitivities is now illegal in Kashmir. Will @JmuKmrPolice clarify which law was violated by the signboard? Or is the only law in place the one that silences Kashmiris?” MP Mehdi said in a post on X.
“The colonial LG administration in cahoots with the security forces, has turned Kashmir into a Orwellian nightmare—where people can’t protest, safeguard their identity, or even speak for their culture,” he added.
“Suppression breeds resentment. The more you push Kashmiris to the wall, the stronger their will to break it down,” he said, emphasizing that Kashmiris have the right to protect their culture and faith like any other society.
“@JmuKmrPolice is advised to not work like a colonial power but work and behave as local police guided by law and respectful to the community and its sensitivities,” Mehdi said.
Kashmir’s Chief Cleric and Hurriyat Chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said it is strange and unfortunate that a signboard put up by the Traders Association has been seized by authorities.
He questioned the removal of the signboard which was promoting moral values.
“Why was this signboard seized? What exactly is wrong with urging tourists to respect local culture, avoid alcohol and use of drugs, and keep the city clean? Shopkeepers of Lal Chowk informed me about this. Is promoting moral values and decency now a crime in Kashmir ?,” the Chief Cleric said in a post on X.
On Friday, Traders’ Association in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk put up signboards asking tourists to avoid drinking liquor.
“Respect our culture and traditions. Stay blessed and enjoy time in our enchanting city. Avoid liquor, drugs, spitting on roads and smoking,” the signboards read.
Earlier, Mirwaiz had commended the initiative of traders in putting up the signboard.
“Such civic initiatives are the need of the hour and should be emulated by others , especially those associated with the Hotel and tourism industry as these are the places that provide an excuse for the promulgation of these vices,” the Hurriyat Chief said, adding that people have to actively participate in preserving the moral and cultural ethos of their society and saving the environment.(BK NEWS SERVICE)
