avoid-liquor-respect-culture-srinagar-s-appeal-to-tourist

With growing support for the proposed anti-liquor bill in Jammu and Kashmir, the Srinagar Traders Association has joined the movement, urging tourists to refrain from consuming alcohol and drugs.

 

The association has placed signboards and standees across the city’s bustling Lal Chowk to reinforce their message.

 

The traders have expressed their hospitality towards visitors while appealing to them to respect local traditions.

 

Signboards displayed at various locations read, "Welcome, dear tourists. The Traders Association, Central Lal Chowk, invites you to experience the beauty of our heaven on earth! For a memorable and enjoyable trip, we kindly request: Love and cherish your family."

 

The message further adds, "Avoid liquor, drugs, spitting on roads, and smoking. Respect our culture and traditions. Stay blessed and enjoy time in our enchanting city."

Traders Association Lal Chowk, #Srinagar warmly welcomes all tourists! Please respect local traditions by refraining from liquor, drugs, & smoking in public. Let’s preserve Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage & make every visit meaningful. #RespectLocalCulture #PreserveHeritage pic.twitter.com/BwptBzRdCi

— Saqib_Kashmiri (@SaqibQashmiri) February 22, 2025

 

Bilal Ahmad, President of the Traders Association, stated that the initiative was launched in response to recent incidents where tourists were seen consuming liquor openly and engaging in altercations, particularly with their families, disrupting the peaceful environment of the area.

Also read: Bill to ban liquor in J&K gains widespread support

 

"Often, shopkeepers in Lal Chowk have witnessed drunken tourists fighting with their families. Women and children are seen upset, often crying and in shock. As hosts, we welcome all visitors, but we strongly urge them to refrain from consuming liquor to ensure a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere for all," he said.

 

Nazir Ahmad, a local resident of Srinagar, echoed similar sentiments.

 

“Tourists are our guests; we want them to come and enjoy, but they must respect the culture and traditions of this place. Drinking in public and consuming drugs looks uncivilised; such activities must not be allowed,” he remarked.

 

The demand for banning alcohol and drugs in Jammu and Kashmir has gained momentum, with local legislators set to introduce an anti-liquor bill in the upcoming assembly session in March.

 

The sale of liquor in Kashmir Valley has witnessed an unprecedented rise since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, sparking concerns among sections of society.

Also read: Bihar alcohol ban cuts partner violence by 21L