[India Report] Travel Kashmir Only With Proper Dress: Jamaat-e-Islami

It is the picture of a chart of the readers view on the dresscode issue of Jammat-e- Islami (Photo : Hindustan Times)

A far-right and Islamist political party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has proposed for a dress code for all the tourists including foreigners, who come to visit Kashmir on 5th July 2012. This hard line Islamic group of Kashmir so demanded that, all visitors, especially the foreigners must follow the recommended dress code while traveling within this Muslim-majority valley.

Zahid Ali, a spokes man of the Jaamat- e-Islami said that, all tourists shall avoid wearing objectionable attire, and has specifically cautioned against foreign females wearing items like miniskirts and other skimpy items. They referred those items as against the moral and ethical culture of society. The Jamaat expects that the tourist should respect the sentiment of the host and dress accordingly as reported by Indian media. They also added that, the Kashmiris (residents of Kashmir) cannot give up their divine values at any cost, even if it is in any way affecting the economy. They clearly stated that, tourists those who can demoralize and derail the society by spreading immodesty in the name of tourism, are not welcome and can remain from visiting Kashmir, as reported by Indian news media.

Picture of kashmir in the map of India (Photo : Certain website)

Kashmir’s fresh mountain air and Himalayan views made it a popular destination up until 1989, when a separatist insurgency scared many people away. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in Kashmir since the armed rebellion began. But violence is on the decline, and the region has seen a record number of tourists in 2012. Officials now expect some two million visitors during peak season this summer and autumn. The matter of the contention has emerged at a time when Valley is witnessing a boom in tourism. Since January this year over 5,40,000 tourists including 17,000 foreigners have visited Kashmir. Officials say this year the Valley is likely to host two million tourists according to India Today. So, it is obviously feared by the minds of people that the ‘dress code issue’ may cause a curtail in the number of the foreigners and might prove to be harmful for economy.

Tourists enjoy a boat ride on Kashmir's famous Dal Lake in Srinagar (Photo : Hindustan Times)

This dress code issue has evoked a mixed impression amongst the mind of the people of India. The issue is part of a greater debate over religious attire. The Kashmiri Muslims argue that they are the host and that guests should abide by their moral codes, simultaneously, others argue that India’s traditional idea is that a host should make their guest feel at home, even if it means doing things a bit differently. “Cultural sensitivity and common sense among tourists do not need a Jamaat thekedaari stamp. Especially not with warning undertones,” said Sabbah Haji, a well-known writer, who runs a school in upper reaches of Doda, as quoted by Hindustan Times. Shoaib Noor, a student of Kashmir University said that “I wish the Jamaat had first looked in our society. Muslim boys are seen in revealing low-waist jeans in all mosques. Local girls are also seen wearing hijab (head-scarf ) with a tight top and skinny jeans. Dress code for whom?”

Photos of Foreigners in Kashmir (Photo : Hindustan Times)

Based on a pole conducted by Hindustan Times, a whooping 85% of the participants responded against the Jamaat-e-Islami’s dress code diktat for the tourists in Kashmir, and 56% percent felt that its decision will affect tourism in Kashmir leading to a decline in the number of tourists. Whereas, 44% said that the numbers would not change.

Tough the dress code is not enforced, but the state government in Jammu and Kashmir has, for now, remained silent on the issue. All the tourists to India, however, are generally cautioned to dress appropriately, particularly when visiting religious sites. Kamal Farooqi, one of the members of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, has however said that Jamaat-e-Islami should exercise caution while making such statements as according to India Today.  

Sudhanya Ghosh Intern Reporter news@theasian.asia