Srinagar- In a recent social media post, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, Member of Parliament from Srinagar and leader of the National Conference, called on the administration to curb public drinking by tourists. This appeal came in response to multiple requests from users of the social media platform ‘X’ to address the issue.
The tipping point was a post by a user, who shared photos of individuals drinking alcohol and discarding a bottle into Dal Lake, sparking local outrage. Sahil described witnessing two people drinking in broad daylight and disposing of their bottles into the lake, prompting him to request immediate intervention and strict action from the Srinagar Police.
Sahil posted multiple pictures of the incident and urged the newly elected MP to raise his voice over the issue.
Later, Ruhullah took to ‘X’ and urged the administration to act tough against these immoral activities. “Srinagar Administration & Police should immediately put a stop to these unethical activities. These incidents are surfacing frequently in Srinagar. Tourists drinking alcohol is not only unethical and immoral, it also turns the drunken person into an unruly one. Therefore, not only for the religious sentiments and ethical values of the people of the place, these activities should also be strictly forbidden and stopped to prevent crime,” Ruhullah tweeted.
Pertinently, locals say there has been an increase in public drinking by tourists which has irked the local populace.
Earlier this month, a viral video showing tourists consuming alcohol during a shikara ride led to backlash from political and religious leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. The video showed a group of people drinking alcohol during a boat ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar. A few days later, another group of tourists was caught drinking in an E-Rickshaw at Lal Chowk, with a video of this incident also going viral on social media.
Netizens have since demanded action against public drinking by tourists.
The police later swung into action and arrested the duo involved in public drinking. “Srinagar Police has taken cognizance after a video of unidentified individuals indulging in offensive behaviour in a shikara in Dal Lake in an inebriated state went viral across social media platforms,” Police said.
“Two accused have been arrested while more suspects are being questioned. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing,” the spokesperson had added.
The shikara incident drew widespread condemnation. The chief spokesperson of the National Conference, Tanvir Sadiq, had also urged action against the incident. “Strongly condemn the vulgar acts of tourists drinking alcohol in a shikara in Dal lake. Under the garb of ‘Kashmir badal raha hai’, the government must remember that such behaviour is not acceptable here. A modern society doesn’t dance vulgarly in the streets or drink in public. These acts must end under the guise of tourism,” he said.
Pertinently, Aga Syed Muhammad Hadi, a prominent cleric, had urged authorities to act saying that while public consumption of alcohol is prohibited under the law.
“The people of Kashmir are hospitable and respect tourists visiting the valley as guests. Such un-Islamic and unethical practices will not be tolerated in the Muslim-majority valley,” Hadi said. He also urged shikara owners to keep an eye on such acts, and asked tourists to ‘respect the moral and social values of Kashmir.”
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