Srinagar, Feb 22 : Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday commended the initiative of Lal Chowk traders in putting up a signboard in the areas, urging visitors to respect the local culture, avoid alcohol and drugs, and maintain cleanliness.
In a statement issued to the news agency, Mirwaiz said that such civic initiatives are the need of the hour and should be emulated by others, especially those associated with the Hotel and tourism industry as these are the places that provide an excuse for the promulgation of these vices.
Mirwaiz said that people have to actively participate in preserving the moral and cultural ethos of their society and saving the environment. “However, it is strange and unfortunate that this signboard has been seized by authorities, raising concerns about the motive behind it.”
Referring to a post on X questioning this action, Mirwaiz emphasised that people have the right to advocate for ethical and responsible behavior in society both of its members and outsiders who visit this place.
Mirwaiz urged the authorities that while it has also been cracking down on the addition menace in J&K, it should support such civic initiatives that contribute to upholding values and well-being of the community rather than suppress it—
