Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Sep 19 (KNS): National Conference MLA from Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi has opposed a proposed “Tantra Silence” retreat in the valley, saying the organisers had not sought permission for the programme and urging authorities to prevent its conduct.

Speaking to the Kashmir News Service, Khan said Gurez has a distinct social, cultural and religious character that must be taken into account while promoting tourism in the region.

“Gurez is more vulnerable than Goa,” Khan said, adding that local residents would not accept programmes that, in his view, could affect the valley’s cultural and social sensitivities.

He said Gurez has a rich Sufi heritage and a distinct cultural identity, and argued that tourism-related activities should be compatible with the values and traditions of the local population.

Khan called for the proposed retreat to be stopped and questioned how such an event could be planned without the required permissions from the authorities.

Khan adds he had taken up the matter with the Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib and raised concerns over the proposed programme. He said the district administration had informed him that no permission had been sought or granted for any such event in Gurez.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Gurez has remained a peaceful area, and if anything is done to disturb the peace here, it will become a problem,” Khan said.

The Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gurez also said that no such programme would be allowed in the area.

The proposed programme has also drawn concern from former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti.

In a post on X, Mufti urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Jammu and Kashmir Police to intervene and take appropriate action over a poster advertising the “Tantra Silence” retreat in Gurez.

Mufti referred to a similar retreat facilitated by Swami Dhyan Sumit in Goa, which she said was cancelled last year following controversy surrounding its promotional material.

She also appealed to Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and her party office to raise awareness about the issue.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has also expressed concern over the proposed programme, as opposition to the retreat grows among local representatives and sections of the community. (KNS)