Ishfaq-ul-Hassan

Srinagar: Panic has gripped love-birds in Kashmir after the radical Dukhataran-e-Milat (DeM) issued a strong warning to restaurants, cards and gifts shops against celebrating or promoting Valentine’s day in the Valley.

“We have told gift shops not to sell cards and other anti-Islamic gifts on the eve of this day. We have also told restaurant owners not to arrange parties or take bookings on this day. We have started our campaign 18 days in advance so that the business community does not suffer losses,” said Aasiya Andrabi, chief of DeM.

Burqa-clad DeM activists vandalised several shops last year and burnt cards in different parts of the Valley, scaring the local people. They also humiliated couples in restaurants.

“We will make a tour of the markets two days prior to Valentine’s day and check whether shopkeepers are adhering to our requests or not. In case they do not, they will face the consequence,” warned Aasiya.

Fearing reprisal, restaurant owners and hoteliers have already decided not to organise any programmes on this day.

“We are Muslims and will not do any thing which is anti-Islam.We will not organise any programme which would bring infamy to our society. Last year Aasiya called me regarding a programme which being held in Gulmarg hotel. We immediately swung into action and stopped it,” said Habibullah Mir, chief of Kashmir Hotel and Restaurants Association (KHARA).

Jammu and Kashmir police are not taking any chances this time around.

“We have 14 more days to go. It is not only DeM but others like Bajrang Dal also who oppose the day.We will make arrangements for maintaining order on this day,” said Syed Afad-ul-Mujtaba, senior superintendent of police, Srinagar.

Love birds and party revelers, however, are disappointed by such actions.

“We had planned a grand celebration on this day. Now we have to be careful in order to save ourselves,” said Ajaz Ahmad, a student.

Source : DNA