Srinagar- A growing wave of online support has emerged as netizens back the proposed liquor ban in Jammu and Kashmir. The debate, fueled by social media discussions, has gained traction as three MLAs have introduced private members’ bills in the upcoming Assembly session seeking to prohibit alcohol in the Union Territory.
Expressing strong views on the matter, Hafiz Lateef, social media user, tweeted, “If beef is banned in other states of India where the majority is Hindu, out of respect for Hindu sentiments, why is alcohol easily available in Kashmir, where the majority is Muslim, disregarding Muslim sentiments? Ban alcohol in Kashmir!”
Similarly, Saurabh Gautam posted on X: “Alcohol has been banned in Gujarat for over a quarter century. It was done as a state government initiative. If the J&K government bans it, then it will be in good company.”
The growing demand for declaring Jammu and Kashmir a dry state is reflected in legislative efforts, with three MLAs taking the lead in pushing for a ban. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Kupwara, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) legislator from Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, and ruling National Conference (NC) MLA from Lal Chowk, Ahsan Pardesi, have all submitted separate private members’ bills advocating for a liquor ban.
The bills are expected to be tabled in the forthcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, set to convene in Jammu for the budget session from March 3. Proponents of the ban argue that alcohol consumption contradicts the cultural and religious ethos of the region and has led to social and health concerns.
The growing demand for declaring Jammu and Kashmir a dry state is reflected in legislative efforts, with three MLAs taking the lead in pushing for a ban. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Kupwara, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) legislator from Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, and ruling National Conference (NC) MLA from Lal Chowk, Ahsan Pardesi, have all submitted separate private members’ bills advocating for a liquor ban.
The bills are expected to be tabled in the forthcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, set to convene in Jammu for the budget session from March 3. Proponents of the ban argue that alcohol consumption contradicts the cultural and religious ethos of the region and has led to social and health concerns.
Voicing his support for the initiative, Ekram Chikla, a resident of Srinagar, said: “Finally someone has come forward to address a complete ban on alcohol here in Kashmir. May Almighty Allah grant them success in this brilliant move. There are many other issues that today’s youth are indulging in, but something is better than nothing. This initiative will be good for many Kashmiri families.”
Rafi Mir also emphasized the need for the ban, stating: “Kashmir, known for its purity and rich heritage, does not need alcohol to thrive. A complete ban will help safeguard our youth from addiction and uphold our ethical and cultural values. Prioritizing health over revenue is the need of the hour!”
Expressing his views on the legislative efforts, Rafi Ahmad said: “I think this is a big issue taken up by these MLAs, and other members should support such a bill. This presents a big challenge for the current government. The common Kashmiri wants an alcohol-free Kashmir.”
While support for the move is evident among a significant section of the populace, some voices have raised concerns about the economic implications of such a ban, particularly its impact on tourism and state revenue. However, advocates for prohibition maintain that public welfare and moral considerations should take precedence over financial concerns.
As the legislative process unfolds, all eyes will be on the J&K Assembly to see whether the proposed bills gain traction and lead to significant policy changes in the Union territory Of Jammu & Kashmir.
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