Videos Of Tourists Drinking On Dal Lake Sparks Outrage In Srinagar

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.”

“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.”

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.”

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”.