10 Jun. 24: Police have responded to a video showing tourists consuming alcohol publicly on a shikara over Dal Lake, which has sparked outrage in Kashmir valley. Officials said on Sunday that they are verifying the video and identifying those involved. “We are examining the contents and will file an FIR under Section 295 of the IPC,” stated SDPO Nehru Park, Zaheer Abbas.
The incident, which went viral on social media on Saturday, has been condemned by political leaders and religious groups, who called for strict enforcement of the ban on public consumption of alcohol.
National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq criticized the tourists’ “vulgar acts” of drinking alcohol on a shikara on Dal Lake. “The government should remember that such behavior is unacceptable here, even under the guise of ‘Kashmir Badal Raha Hai’. A modern society does not engage in public vulgarity or drinking,” Sadiq stated.
He added, “These actions must stop under the pretense of tourism. The Jammu and Kashmir administration must enforce laws banning public drinking. While our hospitable people respect tourists, un-Islamic and unethical behavior will not be tolerated.”
Democratic Progressive Azad Party chief spokesperson Salman Nizami also denounced the open consumption of alcohol on a shikara in Kashmir, “the land of Sufism,” calling it unacceptable. He stated, “Such behavior damages our culture and society. I have sent the clip to the concerned SDPO Nehru Park. Strict action must be taken against these tourists,” tagging Srinagar Police.
Muttahida Majlise-e-Ulama (MMU), a representative body of various religious and educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also expressed serious concern over the viral video. “MMU condemns this act and questions how it was allowed to occur in Kashmir, where public alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited by law,” the statement said.
The people of Kashmir are known for their hospitality and treat tourists as guests. However, such un-Islamic and unethical practices will not be tolerated in the Muslim-majority valley, which is renowned for its saints and Sufis. The MMU urged hotel, houseboat, and shikara owners to avoid engaging in such practices and called on tourists to respect Kashmir’s moral and religious values.
