The Chitral district administration has banned videography and interviews of Kalash people during the upcoming Chomus festival commencing from Monday (tomorrow).
Local Kalash people celebrated the Chomus festival from December 16 to December 22 to welcome the winter.
The event attracts a significant number of domestic and international tourists.
Deputy Commissioner Lower Chitral, Imran Khan, has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for this year’s festival, incorporating specific guidelines for tourists and YouTubers.
A notification issued by the Chitral district administration has enforced Section 144 from December 13 to December 22, prohibiting the display of weapons and the conduct of video interviews of Kalash people in three villages of Rambur, Berir and Bomburet during the festival.
Deputy Commissioner Lower Chitral Imran Khan said that the Kalash tribe follows unique customs, and during their festivals, both men and women celebrate freely.
“Some individuals from outside show up, make videos, and conduct interviews, before uploading it on social media by distorting the facts about the community.
He said that complaints from the Kalash people about such misrepresentations prompted the local administration to take such a decision.
According to DC Imran Khan, making videos and conducting interviews with women by unrelated persons was now prohibited. “Tourists visiting Kalash are expected to adhere to the SOPs, and any violation will result in appropriate action,” he said.
He emphasized that tourists should create positive content about Kalash Valley, refraining from producing and disseminating misleading content on social media. “Tourists are encouraged to explore Kalash and appreciate its distinctive culture,” he said.
Syed Gul, a woman from Kalash, said that uncontrolled tourism turns into a form of terrorism. She highlighted the issue of tourists interviewing innocent Kalash girls, editing the content, and sharing it on social media with inaccurate information, adversely affecting the tribe’s reputation.
Gul asserted that some YouTubers fabricate stories unrelated to reality. She urged visiting tourists to respect Kalashi women, seeking permission before taking pictures or videos.
During religious festivals, non-local YouTubers sometimes enter homes without permission, creating inconvenience to local residents.
