The report regarding FIR against social media influencer Orry aka Orhan Awatramani and 7 others for allegedly consuming liquor in a hotel near base camp of Vaishno Devi Shrine has been making rounds in the social media as the place falls under prohibited zone.
Reportedly the group has been charged with violating the District Magistrate’s order and allegedly hurting religious sentiments. Those living in the Katra Town and in its vicinity know it very well that local authorities extend the ban periodically on the sale, possession and consumption of liquor and non-vegetarian food in Katra giving exact details of the circumference, where bringing or drinking alcohol is prohibited but the knowledge of the same to all the visitors could not be confirmed especially when someone arrives directly from Jammu airport on a private taxi with some bottles of liquor as people can lawfully carry few liters of the same while flying domestically.
Reportedly the local DM has extended the prohibition order for two months in the second week of February this year directing that the ban on liquor and non-veg will be enforced on the 12-km track from Katra to the holy cave on the Trikuta hill and adjoining areas under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
It is a matter of investigation that whether the aforesaid group had the knowledge about Katra being dry and ban on non-vegetarian food items or they have taken liquor despite knowing about the ban. It is expected that police will do the needful in the matter as the law enforcement agency has assured to take appropriate action in the matter. But what is important is the fact that whether adequate publicity has been ensured at all the entry and exit points of Katra town, Jammu Railway Station, Jammu Airport, Katra Railway station and the bus stands of both Katra and Jammu because the aforesaid case which has landed Orry into deep trouble could also be the result of ignorance about Katra town being dry.
Here’s another vital point in this matter and that is availability of liquor at places next to the boundaries of Katra town, making it difficult to get a clue about base camp being a place observing prohibition.
Taking the aforesaid action by the administration against Orry and those who accompanied him into consideration, it is necessary that from now onwards people visiting Katra should know that the concerned DM has ordered that besides Yatra track, the prohibition is also applicable in villages within a distance of up to 2 Km on either sides of the track.
So, it is crucial to garner full information about the dry areas in and around Katra town to keep the troubles away and also to ensure that one’s action doesn’t hurt the sentiments of the people.
As far as Orry and his entourage are concerned, they must face the full force of the law. Their actions reflect sheer disregard for the sanctity of the holy town, and no amount of ignorance can justify such blatant violations. If they had even an ounce of respect for religious sentiments, they would have exercised caution instead of indulging in prohibited activities near a revered shrine. Such reckless behavior deserves strict punishment, setting an example that Katra’s sacredness is not up for mockery or casual defiance.
