By Peerzada Masarat Shah |
SRINAGAR, March 12: The Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to invite bids for 83 new liquor shops across the Union Territory, including in four districts of the Kashmir Valley, has sparked widespread anger and disappointment. The move comes despite escalating demands from political leaders, civil society, and citizens for a complete ban on alcohol in the region.
According to the newly announced Excise Policy 2025-26, the finance department has proposed the opening of over 200 new liquor shops across ten districts of Jammu and four in Kashmir. The policy, which will be in effect from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, aims to grant off-premises retail sale licenses through an e-auction process.
Liquor Outlets in Kashmir Valley: A Growing Concern
The plan includes the establishment of 14 new liquor shops in the Kashmir Valley, with locations including Srinagar, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Baramulla, Uri, and Kupwara. In Srinagar alone, liquor outlets will be set up in seven municipal wards, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from both residents and activists.
Political Leaders, Civil Society Condemn Move
The decision has met fierce opposition from various quarters. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been at the forefront of the demand for a liquor ban, with MLA Mir Muhammad Fayaz advocating for complete prohibition. Similarly, National Conference (NC) legislator Ahsan Sheikh and Independent MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad have introduced bills in the assembly calling for a ban, highlighting the growing consensus against alcohol sales.
Adding to the protest, PDP leader Iltija Mufti has launched a signature campaign and organized protests to rally public support. “This is not just about morality; it’s about preserving the social fabric of our society,” Mufti said, visibly emotional. “How can the government ignore the voices of its people and prioritize revenue over their well-being?”
Surprisingly, opposition to the policy is not limited to traditional critics. Even members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh and Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi, have supported the ban. “Alcohol has no place in a society that values its cultural and religious ethos,” Singh stated.
Public Outrage and Growing Protests
The public backlash has been widespread and intense. In Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, traders put up posters urging tourists to refrain from consuming alcohol, a heartfelt plea to protect the region’s values. However, the posters were swiftly removed by the police, further fueling public resentment.
“This decision is a slap in the face of every Kashmiri who has been demanding a liquor-free society,” said a local shopkeeper, visibly upset. “We are not against development, but not at the cost of our identity and values.”
With emotions running high and protests gaining momentum, the government’s move has left many questioning its priorities. Will the administration reconsider its decision, or will it stand firm despite the growing opposition? As tensions mount, the people of Jammu and Kashmir await answers—and a reversal of a policy they believe threatens their way of life.