Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi Slams Kashmir Police for Removing Anti-Alcohol Hoardings
Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – In a recent development, Srinagar MP and National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has criticized the Jammu and Kashmir police for removing anti-alcohol hoardings in Srinagar. The hoardings, which were put up by traders in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, urged tourists to refrain from consuming liquor and drugs, promoting responsible tourism and respect for local culture.
The Controversy
The controversy began when the police reportedly 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.
Ruhullah Mehdi’s Response
Ruhullah Mehdi took to social media to express his discontent with the police’s actions. In a post on X, he wrote, “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, stating, “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.”.
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Community and Political Reactions
The removal of the hoardings has sparked a broader debate about the right to preserve cultural values and the role of law enforcement in the region. Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also voiced his concerns, questioning whether promoting moral values and decency had become a crime in Kashmir. He 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.
Bottom-Line
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.
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