Srinagar: Police remove posters urging tourists to respect local culture amid calls for liquor ban

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday seized signboards that were displayed in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk to urge tourists to “respect local culture and traditions” and “avoid alcohol and use of drugs”.

The signboards were put up amid increasing calls for a liquor ban in the Union Territory, reported The Indian Express.

On Saturday, People’s Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti reiterated the call for such a ban. Several MLAs have already submitted private members bills in the Assembly calling for a liquor ban in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the state budget session on March 3.

Lal Chowk, with its iconic clock tower, is a popular tourist attraction in Srinagar.

The signboards were erected earlier on Friday by a traders group.

“The Traders Association Central Lal Chowk invites you to experience the beauty of our heaven on earth,” the signboards read. “For a memorable and enjoyable trip, we kindly request: Love and cherish your family, avoid liquor, drugs, spitting on roads and smoking. Respect our culture and traditions. Stay blessed and enjoy time in our enchanting city.”

After pictures of the posters were shared widely on social media, the police removed them on Friday evening, reported The Indian Express citing a shopkeeper.

“Alcohol is wrecking lives & families in J&K,” Mufti subsequently wrote on X. “We must come together…

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