Srinagar, Sep 19 (KNS): Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq has called for immediate intervention by the authorities over a proposed “Tantra Silence” retreat advertised for Gurez Valley, saying tourism promotion should not come at the expense of the region’s religious and social sensitivities.

In a post on X, Mirwaiz said the concerns raised by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti over the proposed programme “deserve immediate attention” and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Jammu and Kashmir Police to take note of the matter.

“Gurez is the land of sufis and saints. Here spirituality is experienced, not marketed at a cost,” Mirwaiz said, adding that tourism promotion should not be used as an excuse to undermine the region’s religious, cultural and social ethos.

He also referred to a similar programme in Goa, claiming that it had been cancelled by police following objections over its promotional material.

The proposed Gurez retreat has also drawn public and political attention after Mehbooba Mufti shared promotional material for the event and sought intervention from the J&K government and police.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to reports, the advertised retreat is scheduled to be held from September 24 to 27 and is described in promotional material as a meditation and spiritual programme. The available material identifies Swami Dhyan Sumit as its facilitator.

Mirwaiz said the concerned authorities should examine the matter and take appropriate action, stressing that Kashmir’s religious, cultural and social values should be taken into consideration while promoting tourism and other activities.

The programme’s organisers have described it as a meditation retreat, while the controversy has centred on its branding, facilitator and references to an earlier programme in Goa. Independent confirmation of the specific circumstances surrounding the Goa event was not immediately available. (KNS)