SRINAGAR: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have stated that no permission was sought or granted for a proposed event in Gurez, following social media activity that suggested otherwise. The clarification comes after concerns were raised by prominent political and religious figures regarding the event.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Assistant Director Tourism, Gulmarg, issued a formal communication clarifying its stance. The office stated that it had neither granted any permission nor issued any authorization for an event apparently being promoted on social media platforms under the tagline “Tantra in silence at Gurez.” Furthermore, the tourism office indicated it had no prior information or official communication concerning the proposed event, nor had it received or processed any application for permission.
The Office of the Assistant Director Tourism, Gulmarg, explicitly clarified that the said proposed event has not been authorized or approved by their department, and that the office has no association with the organization or conduct of the event mentioned in the social media post.
Adding to the official clarification, the District Information Office, Bandipora, also confirmed that the district administration has not granted any permission for the event. In a post on the social media platform X, the Information & Public Relations office of Bandipora stated, “Gurez ‘Tantra Silence’ Retreat Unauthorised; No permission has been granted to the said event by District Administration Bandipora. Public/tourists are advised not to rely on or share such unauthorised promotional claims.”
The clarification from government bodies followed public expressions of concern from former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Both figures had voiced grave concern over the proposed conduct of the event in the Kashmir Valley and had called for immediate action from the authorities to address the situation.
The lack of official sanction for the event, coupled with the public statements by concerned citizens, highlights the importance of verifying information circulating on social media, particularly concerning public gatherings and events in sensitive regions.
The Chenab Times News Desk
