Indian police seize standees urging tourist to avoid drinking alcohol in Srinagar
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemns police action
Srinagar: Indian police have seized signboards and standees urging tourists to avoid alcohol and drugs in the Srinagar’s commercial hub of Lal Chowk in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Traders Association in Lal Chowk had put up signboards and standees in front of their shops, appealing tourists visiting Kashmir to refrain from consuming alcohol and drugs publicly. However, to everyone’s surprise, police, acting on the directives of the New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor, seized the signboards within one hour of them being erected at Lal Chowk.
Bilal Ahmad, President of the Traders Association, explained that the initiative was launched after frequent incidents of tourists consuming alcohol and engaging in fights, particularly with their families, in the area.
“As hosts, we welcome all visitors, but we strongly urge them to refrain from consuming alcohol to ensure a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere for everyone,” he said.
The initiative was welcomed by both locals and tourists. “We want tourists to come here and enjoy, but the culture and tradition of this place should also be respected. Drinking alcohol or consuming other intoxicants is harmful to health, so people should refrain from it,” said Faisal Dar, a local resident.
Meanwhile, senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the seizure of the signboards, calling it strange and unfortunate and raised concerns about the motive behind the action. Mirwaiz Farooq emphasized that people have the right to advocate for ethical and responsible behavior in society, both from its members and from outsiders who visit the territory.
Mirwaiz urged the occupation authorities to support such civic initiatives that contribute to upholding values and the well-being of the community, rather than suppressing them.
He also commended the Lal Chowk traders for their initiative of putting up signboards urging visitors to respect the local culture, avoid alcohol and drugs, and maintain cleanliness. “Such civic initiatives are the need of the hour and should be emulated by others, especially those in the hotel and tourism industry, as these are the places that inadvertently promote these vices,” he added.
