By Tashir Khan
Srinagar- The removal of a signboard by the police in Lal Chowk, Srinagar, which urged tourists to respect local culture and avoid alcohol and drug use, has sparked controversy. The move has drawn criticism from political leaders, traders, and the public, with many questioning the administration’s commitment to community-driven initiatives.
The signboard, which was installed by the Traders Association Central Lal Chowk Srinagar, welcomed visitors with a message encouraging them to “love and cherish their families” while respecting local traditions. It specifically advised tourists to refrain from consuming alcohol, using drugs, spitting on the streets, and smoking in public areas. However, within an hour of its installation, authorities reportedly took it down, prompting accusations of cultural suppression and a lack of political will.
Several prominent political figures, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, condemned the removal.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq wrote on his Twitter, “Why was this signboard seized? What exactly is wrong with urging tourists to respect local culture, avoid alcohol and the use of drugs, and keep the city clean?”
“Is promoting moral values and decency now a crime in Kashmir?” Mirwaiz questioned.
Mehdi also took to social media to express his frustration, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “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?”
He further criticized the administration, calling it a colonial force that suppresses Kashmiri identity. “The colonial LG administration, in cahoots with the security forces, has turned Kashmir into an Orwellian nightmare—where people can’t protest, safeguard their identity, or even speak for their culture,” he wrote.
Mehdi warned that such actions could intensify local resentment. “Suppression breeds resentment. The more you push Kashmiris to the wall, the stronger their will to break it down,” he said. He urged law enforcement to act responsibly, stating, “@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.”
The incident has reignited concerns over governance in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly regarding the role and influence of elected officials. Many critics argue that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, despite holding office, lacks real authority, with power remaining concentrated in New Delhi.
A shopkeeper in Lal Chowk, speaking to a local media outlet, voiced his frustration. “If Omar Abdullah truly believes he has no control over law and order, then why does he remain in office? What purpose does his position serve? Instead of skiing in Gulmarg or attending functions, he should be standing up for the people who elected him,” he said.
Another local resident, also quoted in a local media report, expressed deep disappointment over the Chief Minister’s silence. “He is the elected leader, and even if he doesn’t have direct control over law and order, he can at least raise his voice. Simply washing his hands off the issue won’t absolve him of responsibility,” he remarked. “People placed their trust in the National Conference, hoping for change, yet all they have received is empty rhetoric.”.
The Traders Association of Central Lal Chowk, which had installed the signboard, viewed its removal as a direct reminder of Kashmir’s political vulnerability. “The administration couldn’t even allow a simple civic appeal to remain in place. What kind of governance is this?” one trader asked.
The controversy also prompted social media reactions, with Preacher Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi questioning the authorities’ logic. “A polite appeal to honourable Kashmiri tourists to avoid using alcohol and drugs in indecent activities. What is the problem with Jammu Kashmir Police or the establishment that they could not tolerate even for an hour and picked them up? Isn’t this supporting their drug-free Kashmir campaign?? Or the curtains..” he wrote on X.
Iltija Mufti, a leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has initiated a signature campaign advocating for a complete ban on alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir. She is seeking support from various political parties, including the ruling National Conference (NC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Peoples Conference (PC).
Mufti emphasized that the issue is social rather than political, arguing that rising unemployment is driving youth toward alcohol and drug abuse. She cited examples from Bihar, Gujarat, and Nagaland to support her call for Jammu and Kashmir to be declared a dry state. Additionally, she criticized the government for increasing the number of alcohol outlets and urged the exploration of alternative revenue generation methods.
The removal of the signboard has sparked a wider conversation about the autonomy of Kashmiris in maintaining their cultural and ethical standards. Some argue that community-driven initiatives should not need official approval, while others believe that such messages must comply with government regulations.
As frustration grows, this incident has become another focal point in the ongoing debate surrounding governance, identity, and the ability of Kashmiris to manage their own societal norms. With increasing criticism and a shift in public sentiment against the administration, one question remains: Is Kashmir’s elected leadership genuinely in control, or are they merely acting as figureheads within a larger political framework?
Kashmir Observer tried to contact the SHO concerned for the police version but he was not available.
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