Synopsis
On February 21, a traders association in Lal Chowk, Srinagar, urged tourists to refrain from alcohol, drugs, and smoking during their stay in Kashmir, emphasizing respect for local culture and traditions.Key Takeaways
- Traders Association appeals to tourists.
- Request to avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Focus on respecting local culture.
- Sign placed at the Clock Tower.
- Debate on alcohol ban rekindled.
Srinagar, Feb 21 (NationPress) A local traders association in the historic Lal Chowk area of Srinagar has made a heartfelt request to visitors not to consume alcohol or drugs and to refrain from smoking and spitting on the streets during their time in Kashmir.
A prominent sign has been displayed near the Clock Tower in Lal Chowk, welcoming tourists with the message: "Welcome, dear visitors. The Traders Association Central Lal Chowk invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of our paradise on Earth! To ensure a memorable and delightful experience, we kindly ask you to: Love & cherish your family."
"Please avoid liquor, drugs, spitting on the roads, and smoking. We urge you to respect our culture and traditions. Stay blessed and enjoy your time in our captivating city! Thank you."
Recently, a heated discussion has emerged in Kashmir regarding the potential prohibition of liquor in the Valley.
This conversation was sparked by a bill introduced to the Assembly Speaker by ruling National Conference (NC) MLA, Ahsan Pardesi, advocating for a ban on alcohol sales in J&K.
Prominent religious leader, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, later commented, stating: "Claiming that J&K is a tourist destination and that liquor should be permitted here is regrettable. We denounce it."
Mirwaiz Umer's remarks were in response to a statement attributed to NC spokesman and MLA, Tanvir Sadiq, suggesting that alcohol should not be banned in J&K given its status as a tourist state.
However, following Mirwaiz's statement, Sadiq quickly clarified that he opposes alcohol and supports a ban.
This debate has revived memories from the early 1990s when separatist factions enforced a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol. The campaign against alcohol began with the burning of liquor stores in Srinagar and a bombing at a bar in the Polo View area.
The women's separatist group ‘Dukhtaran-e-Milat’ (Daughters of Faith) and the militant group ‘Allah Tigers’ led the charge for banning alcohol, cinemas, video parlors, and beauty salons throughout the Valley during the peak of violence.
