Strong reaction from Mirwaiz, Grand Mufti against proposed ‘Tantra Silence’ program in Gurez
Political, social, and religious leaders term the programme contrary to Kashmir's Sufi traditions
Srinagar : Political, social, and religious circles in the Gurez area of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have expressed strong reactions and deep concern following the emergence of promotional material for a proposed ‘Tantra Silence’ programme.
According to Kashmir Media Service, All Parties Hurriyat Conference senior leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed strong disapproval, stating that Kashmir’s religious, cultural, and social values cannot be compromised in the name of tourism.
He urged the authorities concerned to take immediate notice of the matter and initiate necessary action to prevent the exploitation of Kashmir’s religious, cultural, and social identity and values.
In a post on ‘X’, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the issue demands immediate attention. He described it as deeply concerning and unacceptable that such a programme is being permitted in Gurez, Jammu and Kashmir.
He added that a similar event, organized by the same group in Goa, had been cancelled by the police following public outcry over objections regarding obscenity and inappropriate content in its promotional details.
He emphasized that Kashmir is the land of Sufis and saints, where spirituality is felt and revered—not something to be sold or marketed at any cost. He said the promotion of tourism cannot be used as a justification to undermine Kashmiris’ religious, cultural, and social identity or to disregard their values and sensitivities.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said relevant authorities—particularly Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the occupying administration—must immediately take cognizance of this matter and adopt necessary measures to halt this exploitation.
Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, the Grand Mufti of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, also expressed his reaction, stating that Gurez is a vital part of Jammu and Kashmir’s heritage. He emphasized that development and tourism initiatives must respect the region’s cultural character, local sensitivities, and long-standing spiritual traditions.
He noted that Kashmir is a land defined by the profound legacy of Sufis, Rishis, and saints—a place where spiritual roots are historically embedded in self-purification, simplicity, tolerance, and inner transformation. While tourism is welcome, it cannot serve as a license to introduce programs whose nature or promotional language conflicts with the Valley’s cultural and social ethos.
President of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti also voiced strong opposition on ‘X’ regarding the proposed ‘Tantra Silence’ programme in Gurez. She said the authorization of such an event demands immediate attention, recalling that a similar programme organized by the same group in Goa was cancelled by the police after its obscene promotional campaign sparked outrage.
