SRINAGAR, Feb 12: There is an increasing demand to designate Jammu and Kashmir as a dry state, as a minimum of three MLAs have put forth private members’ bills aimed at prohibiting alcohol within the Union Territory.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Kupwara, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) legislator from Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, and the ruling National Conference (NC) MLA from Lal Chowk, Ahsan Pardesi, have each introduced separate private members’ bills advocating for an alcohol ban in Jammu and Kashmir.
The bills are set to be presented in the upcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, scheduled to convene in Jammu for the budget session starting March 3.
“Alcohol consumption is devastating lives throughout Jammu and Kashmir and poses a serious threat to the very foundation of our society. Since 2019, the situation has worsened due to the rampant availability of liquor stores. A big thanks to PDP MLA @MirMohdFayaz for proposing a private (member’s) bill aimed at prohibiting alcohol consumption. This is much needed,” PDP leader Iltija Mufti expressed on a post on X.
“Alcohol has no place in our spiritually rich culture. A land revered as ‘Reshwa’er’ (the land of saints) should not be marred by the alcohol trade. Since 2009, Er Rashid has been combating this issue, and AIP remains dedicated to its goal of making Jammu and Kashmir a dry state,” stated a party spokesperson led by Sheikh Abdul Rashid or Engineer Rashid, in a post on X.
He also noted that AIP is leading efforts to prohibit online gaming, which has resulted in financial and emotional crises for many families.
“Unregulated online gaming has driven numerous young individuals into gambling addiction and debt. This needs to be addressed swiftly to prevent further devastation,” he added.
Pardesi also shared on social media that he has submitted a private member’s bill advocating for a ban on alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The unrestrained sale of alcohol undermines the religious and cultural values of Kashmir. Our heritage has always opposed intoxicants, and this bill marks a step toward safeguarding those principles,” he concluded. (Agencies)
