Srinagar, Feb 21: Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat Chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday said it is strange and unfortunate that signboard put up by the Traders Association in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, which asked tourists to avoid alcohol, has been seized by authorities. Central La Denk Isitos you toegenee the beauty in sarth For a memorate and enjoyable tr We kindly movent Lave and Cherish your family Lique Drugs, Sitting
Mirwaiz questioned the removal of the signboard which was promoting moral values.
“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? Shopkeepers of Lal Chowk informed me about this. Is promoting moral values and decency now a crime in Kashmir?,” the chief cleric said in a post on X.
On Friday, Traders’ Association in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk put up signboards asking tourists to avoid drinking liquor.
“Respect our culture and traditions. Stay blessed and enjoy time in our enchanting city. Avoid liquor, drugs, spitting on roads and smoking,” the signboards read.
Earlier, Mirwaiz had commended the initiative of traders in putting up the signboard.
“Such civic initiatives are the need of the hour and should be emulated by others, especially those associated with the Hotel and tourism industry as these are the places that provide an excuse for the promulgation of these vices,” the Hurriyat Chief said, adding that people have to actively participate in preserving the moral and cultural ethos of their society and saving the environment.–(UNI)
