Jammu and Kashmir: Trio of MLAs Propose Bills for Alcohol Prohibition
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Synopsis
Three MLAs in Jammu and Kashmir have introduced private bills aiming to ban alcohol consumption in the region. The bills will be discussed in the upcoming Assembly session scheduled for March 3. The initiative has garnered support from various political leaders, highlighting concerns about the societal impact of alcohol.
Key Takeaways
- Three MLAs propose bills for an alcohol ban.
- The bills will be discussed in the Assembly on March 3.
- PDP leader highlights alcohol's detrimental impact on society.
- AIP advocates for Jammu and Kashmir to be a dry state.
- Historical context of alcohol sales in Kashmir.
Jammu, Feb 12 (NationPress) A trio of MLAs has put forth private bills to the Speaker, aimed at declaring J&K alcohol-free in the upcoming Assembly session.
The three legislators are Mir Mohammad Fayaz representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad from the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), and Ahsan Pardesi, an MLA from the ruling National Conference (NC).
These bills are set to be introduced during the forthcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, which convenes in Jammu for the budget session on March 3.
Iltija Mufti, a PDP leader and daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, expressed on X, “The impact of alcohol consumption is devastating lives throughout Jammu and Kashmir and poses a significant threat to our societal structure. Since 2019, the issue has escalated due to the proliferation of liquor stores. Kudos to PDP MLA @MirMohdFayaz for initiating a private member's bill advocating for a prohibition on alcohol consumption.”
She further stated that liquor has no place in the spiritually enriched society of Kashmir.
According to an AIP spokesperson, “A region renowned as ‘Reshwa’er’ (land of saints) should not be blemished by the alcohol trade. Since 2009, Er Rashid has been battling this issue and AIP remains committed to its goal of making Jammu and Kashmir a dry state.”
NC MLA Ahsan Pardesi remarked, in favor of his bill, that the unrestricted sale of alcohol undermines the religious and cultural values of Kashmir.
“Our heritage has consistently opposed intoxicants, and this bill is a crucial step towards safeguarding those principles,” he noted.
Kashmir, recognized globally as a tourist destination, has shown remarkable hospitality to its visitors.
The first liquor establishment was opened in the Gulmarg ski resort by the British during the 19th century. Since British rule, liquor shops have operated in Kashmir; however, following the surge of terrorism in 1989, Islamist militant groups imposed a ban on alcohol sales, conducting retaliatory attacks against liquor shop owners and bars in the Valley.
