SRINAGAR: Public representatives and the clergy in J&K have expressed outrage over a proposed four-day “spiritual” event in the scenic Gurez Valley being organsied by a self-styled godman whose similar event in Goa last year was cancelled after its allegedly obscene promotional material sparked widespread controversy.Former J&K CM and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Saturday sought intervention of CM Omar Abdullah to intervene and stop “Tantra Silence” retreat from being held.“A poster is advertising a “Tantra Silence” retreat in Gurez Valley, Srinagar. A similar ‘Tantra‘ retreat facilitated by Swami Dhyan Sumit, a self-styled godman promoting a new religion under the Shree Rajneesh Foundation, was cancelled in Goa last year after its obscene promotional material sparked widespread controversy and the Goa Police had to intervene. Gurez is no playground for experiments in the name of spirituality or tourism.,” Mehbooba wrote on X, requesting J&K CM to intervene immediately and take appropriate action.Mirwaiz said, “This kind of programme is being allowed in Gurez in Kashmir, when a similar programme by this organisation was cancelled by police in Goa, due to public outrage over its obscene promotional details, is outrageous.”“Kashmir is the land of sufis and saints. Here, spirituality is experienced, not marketed at a cost! Besides, tourism promotion cannot become an excuse to undermine our religious, cultural and social ethos and ignoring our values and sensibilities,” Mirwaiz said, asking J&K CM to take note and stop what he called “this exploitation.”Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, the Grand Mufti of Jammu & Kashmir, said he has taken serious note of the proposed “Tantra in Silence” retreat reportedly scheduled for Sept 24-27 in Gurez Valley. “The programme is publicly advertised as a meditation retreat, and concerns regarding its organisers, content and suitability for the region have been raised publicly,” he said, adding that Gurez is not merely a tourist destination. “It is part of the sacred cultural landscape of Kashmir, a land shaped by generations of faith, scholarship and spiritual tradition. Its hospitality must never be understood as indifference to its moral and cultural character,” he said.
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He said the govt should verify the organisers, examine the complete programme and its promotional material, ascertain the permissions granted, and ensure that no activity contrary to law or the legitimate religious and cultural sensitivities of the people is permitted.Meanwhile, as the matter escalated, the Bandipore district administration issued a statement late Saturday evening that no permission has been granted for the event. “Public/tourists are advised not to rely on or share such unauthorised promotional claims,” the statement said.Bandipora deputy commissioner Indu Kanwal didn’t respond to phone calls.After abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Gurez valley along the LOC in Bandipora district has emerged Kashmir’s fastest-growing tourist destination witnessing huge tourist rush.
