bill-to-ban-liquor-in-j-k-gains-widespread-support

Three MLAs from Jammu and Kashmir are set to introduce an anti-liquor bill in the legislative assembly during the upcoming session.

 

Since the announcement of the proposed “anti-liquor bill,” a wave of online support from the Netizens of Jammu and Kashmir has emerged in favour of the liquor ban.

 

The bill seeks a ban on selling and consuming alcohol from the Union territory; it has since fuelled a debate on social media where users are expressing their strong views regarding the growing menace of alcohol consumption in the UT.

 

Hafiz, a social media user, posted, “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!”

 

Another user, Saurabh Gautam, on X, wrote, “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.”

 

Also read: 3 MLAs submit bills seeking liquor ban in J&K

 

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 introduced in the upcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, set to convene in Jammu for the budget session on 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.