Jammu and Kashmir: Trio of MLAs Propose Liquor Ban
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Synopsis
Three MLAs in Jammu and Kashmir have introduced private bills to the Speaker, advocating for a complete ban on liquor in the region, citing its detrimental impact on society and culture.
Key Takeaways
- Three MLAs propose liquor ban in J&K.
- Bills to be tabled in upcoming Assembly session.
- Concerns raised about alcohol's impact on society.
- Support from various political parties for the ban.
- Kashmir's cultural values emphasized in the debate.
Jammu, Feb 12 (NationPress) Three MLAs have presented private bills to the Speaker, aiming to make Jammu and Kashmir completely liquor-free.
The MLAs who have put forth this bill include Mir Mohammad Fayaz from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad representing the Awani Ittehad Party (AIP), and Ahsan Pardesi from the ruling National Conference (NC).
These bills are set to be discussed in the upcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, scheduled to convene in Jammu for the budget session on March 3.
Iltija Mufti, the PDP leader and daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, expressed on X, “The consumption of alcohol is destroying lives throughout Jammu and Kashmir and poses a serious risk to our society's very essence. Since 2019, this issue has intensified due to the proliferation of liquor stores. Hats off to PDP MLA @MirMohdFayaz for initiating a private bill advocating for a ban on alcohol consumption.”
She emphasized that alcohol has no place in the spiritually rich society of Kashmir.
AIP's spokesperson stated, “A region known as ‘Reshwa’er’ (the land of saints) should not be sullied by the alcohol trade. Since 2009, Er Rashid has been combating this issue, and AIP remains dedicated to declaring Jammu and Kashmir a dry state.”
NC MLA Ahsan Pardesi affirmed his support for the bill, stating that the unregulated sale of alcohol undermines Kashmir's religious and cultural values.
“Our heritage has always opposed intoxicants, and this bill represents a move towards upholding those principles,” he noted.
Kashmir, recognized globally as a tourist destination, has historically been welcoming to visitors.
The first liquor store in the region was established in the Gulmarg ski resort by the British in the 19th century. Although liquor shops have existed in Kashmir since British times, the onset of terrorist violence in 1989 led Islamist terrorist groups to prohibit the sale of alcohol, targeting liquor shop owners and bars in the valley.
