Video of ‘tourists having alcohol on Dal lake’ sparks outrage in Srinagar: ‘Un-Islamic, unethical’

Political parties, religious outfits ask police to take action, urge tourists to ‘respect moral and religious ethos of Kashmir’.

“The Jammu and Kashmir administration must strictly enforce laws banning public drinking,” he said. “Our hospitable people respect tourists but un-Islamic and unethical actions shall not be acceptable.” (Photo: Screenshot)

A video purportedly showing tourists having alcohol during a shikara ride on Srinagar’s Dal lake has led to backlash from political and religious leaders in the Valley.

“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,” National Conference’s chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said. “A modern society doesn’t dance vulgarly in the streets or drink in public. These acts must end under the guise of tourism.”

Strongly condemn the vulgar acts of tourists drinking alcohol on a Shikara in Dal Lake.

Under the garb of “Kashmir Badal Raha Hai,” the government must remember that such behavior is not acceptable here. A modern society doesn’t dance vulgarly in the streets or drink in public.… pic.twitter.com/mpYQDAnh6u

— Tanvir Sadiq (@tanvirsadiq) June 8, 2024

Chief spokesperson of Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party, Salman Nizami, also demanded action against those involved. “Consuming alcohol openly in a shikara, in the land of sufism, Kashmir, is unacceptable,” he posted on social media. “Such behaviour spoils our culture and society. I have forwarded the clip to the concerned SDPO (sub-divisional police officer) Nehru Park. Strict action must be taken against these tourists.”

Story continues below this ad

The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (United Council of Scholars), which includes heads of all religious sects and educational institutions in the Valley and is led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said in a statement, “While public consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited under the law, why and how it has been allowed is a matter of worry. The people of Kashmir are hospitable and respect tourists visiting the valley as guests. However, such un-Islamic and unethical practices will not be tolerated in the Muslim-majority valley that is the land of saints and sufis.”

It also appealed to hoteliers and houseboat and shikara owners to keep an eye on such acts, and urged tourists to “respect the moral and religious ethos of Kashmir”.

Bashaarat Masood

Bashaarat Masood is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express. He has been covering Jammu and Kashmir, especially the conflict-ridden Kashmir valley, for two decades. Bashaarat joined The Indian Express after completing his Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University in Kashmir. He has been writing on politics, conflict and development. Bashaarat was awarded with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2012 for his stories on the Pathribal fake encounter. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Taboola...

‘Double bonanza for poor, middle class’: PM’s swadeshi pitch ahead of new GST roll out

India5 hr ago

PM Modi announced the rollout of new GST rates, calling it a "GST bachat utsav" and promising cheaper prices for medicines, insurance, and daily essentials. He emphasized that these reforms would ease doing business, attract investment, and benefit the poor, middle class, MSMEs, farmers, women, traders, and youth. He urged citizens to promote swadeshi goods.

View all shorts

Live Blog