Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD):The demand for declaring Jammu and Kashmir a dry state is gaining traction as three legislators have submitted private members’ bills seeking a complete ban on alcohol in the Union Territory.
PDP MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz (Kupwara), AIP legislator Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad (Langate), and NC MLA Ahsan Pardesi (Lal Chowk) have introduced separate bills, which will be tabled in the upcoming budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, set to begin on 3rd March in Jammu.
Proponents of the ban argue that alcohol consumption is causing immense social harm, affecting families and communities across Jammu and Kashmir. Since 2019, the easy availability of liquor due to the rise in alcohol outlets has worsened the situation. PDP leader Iltija Mufti praised her party’s MLA for introducing the bill, stating on social media that alcohol poses a “grave threat to the fabric of society.”
Similarly, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by jailed leader Engineer Rashid, has been campaigning against alcohol sales for over a decade. AIP’s spokesperson reiterated the party’s commitment to making J&K a dry state, emphasising that Kashmir, historically known as ‘Reshwari’ (land of saints), should not be tarnished by the liquor trade. In addition to alcohol, AIP is advocating for a ban on unregulated online gaming, arguing that it has led to widespread gambling addiction and financial distress among young people.
NC MLA Ahsan Pardesi also justified his bill, stating that the unregulated sale of alcohol contradicts Kashmir’s religious and cultural ethos.
He argued that the region’s heritage has always opposed intoxicants and that this move would help preserve traditional values.
While the proposal has garnered support from various quarters, there are concerns about its economic implications. A ban on liquor could impact tourism, hospitality, and state revenue, as alcohol sales contribute significantly to government earnings. Critics argue that prohibition has failed in several states, leading to illicit trade and black-market operations.
Moreover, implementing a ban across the entire Union Territory, including Jammu, where liquor consumption is more socially accepted, could be challenging. Business owners and stakeholders in the tourism industry may resist the move, fearing losses and declining visitor numbers.
The proposed bills are expected to spark intense debate in the Assembly, with responses from other political parties, including the BJP and Congress, keenly awaited. The BJP, which has previously expanded liquor licences in J&K as part of its economic policy, may oppose the ban on economic grounds. Meanwhile, Congress has yet to take a clear stand on the issue.
As the discussion unfolds, the government will have to weigh cultural sensitivities against economic realities. Will the move towards prohibition gain wider support, or will it face strong resistance from business and political circles? The upcoming budget session will be crucial in determining the fate of these private members’ bills(DD)