Push for ban on alcohol in J&K gains momentum; PDP, NC & BJP leaders on same page

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 12 (STC): Leaders of National Conference (NC), Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Peoples Democratic Party have come on same page demanding ban on alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir.
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Nirmal Singh, has strongly supported the private bills submitted by the PDP leader Fayaz Ahmad Mir and NC leader Ahsan Pardesi seeking ban on alcohol across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Both the bills are seeking to curb the sale, consumption, and promotion of alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Nirmal Singh while talking to a local news agency KINS said, “I fully support the bill advocating for a ban on alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has never supported alcohol consumption, and wherever our government is in power, we have taken strong measures against it.”
Dr. Singh highlighted the growing awareness in Kashmir regarding the adverse effects of alcohol but stressed the need for similar consciousness in the Jammu division. “If there are restrictions in Kashmir, why not in Jammu? The open sale and use of alcohol near schools, temples, and mosques is a serious threat to our society. Alcohol has destroyed families, and unfortunately, women are the worst victims,” he told the news agency.
The health and well-being of people are far more important than commercial interests, Dr Nirmal Singh said.
Notably, the proposed bill, introduced by Fayaz Ahmad Mir, PDP MLA from Kupwara, calls for a comprehensive ban on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Alcohol is becoming a serious societal threat, eroding the moral fabric of our community. It’s imperative that lawmakers act decisively to curb this menace,” he said. The bill outlines stringent penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines, for violators.
The private member bill submitted by the National Conference (NC) MLA, Ahsan Pardesi seeks a ban on alcohol in Muslim-majority areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The bill notes that alcohol consumption contradicts Kashmir’s deep-rooted Sufi-Reshi traditions. “The unchecked sale of alcohol disregards our religious and social ethos. Our heritage has always stood against intoxicants, and this bill is a step toward upholding those values,” he said.
He further said, “At a time when we are battling a drug crisis, easy availability of alcohol will only worsen the situation.” (STC)