# J&K Says No Permission for Gurez Tantra Retreat

2026-09-19T13:01:57+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

The Jammu and Kashmir government said no permission has been sought or granted for the proposed “Tantra in Silence” meditation retreat in Gurez Valley. The Assistant Director Tourism, Gulmarg, said his office had received no application, while the Bandipora administration also said it had issued no permission. The event is advertised for September 24 to 27, with accommodation, food and meditation sessions priced at Rs. 11,995 per person. Promotional material names Swami Dhyan Sumit as facilitator and says the programme is inspired by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh’s teachings. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam have urged the Chief Minister, police and administration to intervene. They cited concerns about the programme’s content, permissions and compatibility with Gurez’s religious and cultural setting. The administration is expected to verify the organisers and promotional material before September 24.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The New Indian Express leads with the government’s clarification, establishing that the advertised retreat has no official authorisation. Greater Kashmir and The Hindu foreground opposition from political and religious figures, including comparisons with a Goa event cancelled after controversy over its promotional material. The critical framing gives prominence to cultural concerns but does not establish that the Gurez programme violated any law. The official account also does not confirm whether organisers plan to proceed privately or have sought approval elsewhere. The immediate administrative task is verification before the advertised 24 September start date.

## Coverage

- greaterkashmir.com (government critical) <https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/mehbooba-mirwaiz-question-proposed-tantra-retreat-in-gurez-12552247>
  Leads with political and religious demands for intervention
- thehindu.com (government critical) <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/political-religious-leaders-protest-against-event-in-kashmirs-gurez/article71484395.ece>
  Foregrounds criticism and cultural objections to the event
- newindianexpress.com (neutral report) <https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Sep/19/no-permission-granted-for-tantra-in-silence-retreat-in-gurez-jk-govt>
  Leads with official clarification on absent permission

Tags: Gurez, Mehbooba Mufti, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Omar Abdullah, Shree Rajneesh Temple
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