Kashmir Police Under Fire for Removing Anti-Alcohol Hoardings in Lal Chowk

Kashmir Police Under Fire for Removing Anti-Alcohol Hoardings in Lal Chowk

Removal of Anti-Alcohol Hoardings by Police Sparks Controversy in Valley

Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir Police have drawn criticism from many in the Valley for removing signboards from the Lal Chowk city centre that urged visiting tourists to refrain from consuming liquor and drugs. Traders had put up the hoardings on Friday in front of the iconic Clock Tower and other locations, welcoming tourists with open arms while urging them not to consume liquor and drugs.

The signboard read: “Welcome dear tourists. The Traders Association, Central Lal Chowk invites you to experience the beauty of our heaven on earth! For a memorable and enjoyable trip, we kindly request: Love and cherish your family.” “Avoid liquor, drugs, spitting on roads, and smoking. Respect our culture and traditions. Stay blessed and enjoy your time in our enchanting city.”

On Saturday, videos and pictures circulated on social media showing police officials removing the signboard. Until late Saturday evening, the J&K Police had not provided a statement explaining the removal.

Hurriyat Conference chairman and Jamia Masjid chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq described the action as “strange and unfortunate,” raising concerns about the authorities’ motive. Mirwaiz said people had the right to advocate for ethical and responsible behavior in society—both among locals and visitors. He urged authorities to support civic initiatives that uphold community values and well-being rather than suppress them.

Meanwhile, the Awami Ittehad Party chief spokesman Inam Ul Nabi said, “It is shocking that while the Union Health Ministry mandates cigarette manufacturers to print health warnings on cigarette packets, a simple and positive message urging tourists to respect the sentiments and values of the local community is deemed problematic.”

Srinagar MP and National Conference leader Ruhullah Mehdi said, “Even appealing to tourists to respect local sensitivities is now illegal in Kashmir.” He further questioned on X, “Will the J&K Police clarify which law was violated by the signboard? Or is the only law in place the one that silences Kashmiris?”

Mehdi said, “The colonial L-G administration, in cahoots with the security forces, has turned Kashmir into an Orwellian nightmare— where people cannot protest, safeguard their identity, or even speak for their culture.”

The Controversy Unfolds

The controversy began when the police removed signboards and standees placed by traders outside their shops in Lal Chowk. These hoardings welcomed tourists while requesting them to avoid consuming liquor and drugs, spitting on roads, and smoking. The message aimed to preserve the cultural and social values of Kashmir and ensure a pleasant environment for both locals and visitors.

Political Leaders React

Srinagar MP and National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi was quick to criticize the police’s actions. He took to social media to express his discontent, stating, “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?” Mehdi further condemned the administration, describing it as a “colonial L-G administration in cahoots with the security forces”.

Community and Religious Leaders Speak Out

Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also voiced his concerns, questioning whether promoting moral values and decency had become a crime in Kashmir. “Why was this signboard seized? What exactly is wrong with urging tourists to respect local culture, avoid alcohol and use of drugs, and keep the city clean?” he asked. Farooq emphasized the importance of supporting civic initiatives that uphold community values and well-being.

Traders’ Perspective

The traders who put up the hoardings expressed their disappointment with the police’s actions. They argued that the message was intended to promote responsible behavior among tourists and protect the cultural integrity of the region. “We welcome tourists with open arms but urge them to respect our culture and traditions,” said a representative of the Central Lal Chowk Traders Association.

Call for Clarification

Ruhullah Mehdi has called on the Jammu and Kashmir police to clarify the legal basis for removing the hoardings. He urged the police to act in accordance with the law and respect the community’s sensitivities. “The J&K police are 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,” he stated.

Conclusion The removal of anti-alcohol hoardings in Srinagar has ignited a debate about cultural preservation, responsible tourism, and the role of law enforcement. As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the need for a balanced approach that respects local values while ensuring the rule of law.