Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has kicked off a signature campaign advocating for a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
Led by PDP leader Iltija Mufti, the campaign seeks public backing for a bill introduced by party MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz in the J&K Assembly, calling for a total prohibition on alcohol.
The initiative was initially set to launch at Sher-e-Kashmir Park but was relocated to the PDP headquarters after authorities denied permission. Speaking to the media, Mufti stressed the urgent need to tackle the rising menace of alcohol and drug abuse in the region. “The increasing availability of liquor is threatening our social and moral fabric. We must act now to safeguard our youth,” she stated.
Mufti urged all political parties, including the National Conference (NC), People’s Conference (PC), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to support the cause, emphasizing that it is a social issue rather than a political one. “This is about the well-being of our people. Unemployment and frustration are driving many towards substance abuse, and we must collectively address this crisis,” she added.
Raising concerns over the surge in liquor shops across J&K, Mufti warned that unrestricted access to alcohol is worsening societal problems. She appealed to both the UT administration and the Central government to make J&K an alcohol-free region, citing the success of prohibition in Bihar, Gujarat, and Nagaland. “These states have shown that banning liquor does not affect tourism. J&K should follow their example,” she argued.
Despite a strong police presence outside the PDP office, Mufti reiterated that the campaign was peaceful and aimed at raising awareness. “We are not here to create law and order issues. We are simply urging people to support this noble cause and say no to alcohol and drugs,” she said.
The PDP’s campaign has sparked a broader debate on liquor regulation in J&K, with its success likely to depend on public support and political consensus in the coming days.(DD)
