SRINAGAR, Feb 12: The call to declare Jammu and Kashmir a dry state has gained significant momentum, with three legislators submitting private members’ bills in the Legislative Assembly seeking a complete ban on alcohol in the Union Territory. The move reflects growing concerns over the increasing availability and consumption of liquor, which many see as a threat to the region’s social and cultural fabric.
The legislators behind the initiative include People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Kupwara Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) legislator from Langate Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, and National Conference (NC) MLA from Lal Chowk Ahsan Pardesi. Each has independently introduced bills advocating for the prohibition of alcohol, which will be tabled in the upcoming budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, scheduled to convene in Jammu from March 3.
The move has received strong backing from political figures who argue that alcohol consumption is eroding the region’s traditional values. PDP leader Iltija Mufti took to social media to commend the initiative, particularly highlighting her party’s MLA, Mir Mohammad Fayaz.
“Alcohol consumption is ravaging lives across Jammu and Kashmir and presents a grave threat to the very fabric of our society. Since 2019, the problem has worsened due to the mushrooming of liquor stores. Kudos to PDP MLA @MirMohdFayaz for introducing a private member’s bill seeking a ban on alcohol consumption. Much needed,” Mufti wrote in a post on X.
Similarly, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by Sheikh Abdul Rashid (popularly known as Engineer Rashid), reaffirmed its long-standing opposition to alcohol sales in the region.
“Liquor has no place in our spiritually rich society. A land known as ‘Reshwari’ (the land of saints) should not be tainted by the alcohol trade. Since 2009, Er Rashid has been fighting against this menace, and AIP remains steadfast in its mission to declare Jammu and Kashmir a dry state,” an AIP spokesperson stated on X.
Beyond the fight against alcohol, the AIP is also pushing for a crackdown on online gaming, citing its role in driving many young people into financial distress and gambling addiction.
“Unregulated online gaming has pushed many young people into gambling addiction and debt. This must be curbed before it causes more devastation,” the party spokesperson added, signaling that the issue would be taken up alongside the liquor ban.
NC legislator Ahsan Pardesi, who has also submitted a bill seeking an alcohol ban, echoed concerns over the unchecked expansion of liquor sales.
“The unchecked sale of alcohol disregards the religious and cultural ethos of Kashmir. Our heritage has always stood against intoxicants, and this bill is a step toward preserving those values,” Pardesi stated, emphasizing the need for urgent legislative action.
The demand for banning alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir is not new, but it has gained traction in recent years due to an increase in liquor stores across the region. While many religious and political groups support prohibition, others argue that a ban could lead to illicit trade and economic setbacks.
As the private members’ bills head to the Legislative Assembly for discussion, the debate over alcohol regulation in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to intensify, with lawmakers, religious groups, and civil society weighing in on the implications of such a move.