Controversy in Kashmir: Police Remove Anti-Alcohol Hoardings

National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi criticized Jammu and Kashmir Police for removing anti-alcohol hoardings put up by traders in Srinagar. The decision sparked outrage as locals saw it as an affront to their cultural values. Mehdi and others questioned the police's motives and asserted their right to preserve local customs.

National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has publicly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir Police for dismantling anti-alcohol hoardings placed by local traders in Srinagar. The move has provoked anger among locals, who view it as an encroachment on their cultural traditions.

Reports indicate that the law enforcement authorities removed the signage from Lal Chowk, a central commercial area in Srinagar, that implored tourists to respect the local ethos by avoiding alcohol and drugs. The police have yet to provide an official statement in response, but the action has drawn widespread criticism on social media.

Critics, including prominent figures like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, are questioning the legality and intentions behind the police's actions. They argue that advocating for ethical and culturally sensitive behavior should not be considered a crime. The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding cultural preservation and autonomy in Kashmir.