• Source:JND
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Jammu and Kashmir is once again witnessing a heated debate over a liquor ban—an issue that first surfaced in 2016 but was dismissed by the then-ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) under Mehbooba Mufti. This time, however, the roles have reversed, with the PDP now leading the charge for a ban, while the ruling National Conference (NC) accuses it of double standards.

To push for the ban, the PDP has launched a signature campaign, urging public support. Meanwhile, political tensions escalated over the weekend when posters promoting the liquor ban appeared across Srinagar, urging tourists to "respect local culture and traditions." The removal of these posters by the authorities has drawn criticism from the Opposition, as reported by NDTV.

Liquor Ban Bills to Take Centre Stage in Assembly

The liquor ban is set to be a major topic of discussion in the upcoming budget session of the assembly, starting on March 3. Two MLAs—one from the PDP and another from the National Conference, have already submitted bills calling for a ban on alcohol sales in the region.

Additionally, PDP's Fayaz Ahmad Mir, NC's Ahsan Pardesi, and Awami Ittehad Party's (AIP) Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad have separately introduced bills advocating for the prohibition of liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.

Today, Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister and PDP leader, joined the ongoing signature campaign initiated by her daughter, Iltija Mufti, a day earlier.

"We are addressing a critical issue drug and alcohol abuse is spreading rapidly. The PDP MLA from Kupwara has proposed a bill in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly to ban alcohol. To support this cause, we have initiated a signature campaign from the PDP office," Mufti stated while speaking to reporters at the launch.

Local Businesses Join the Debate

On Friday, shopkeepers at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk put up posters encouraging responsible tourism. While welcoming visitors, the posters also urged them to "cherish family values and avoid liquor, drugs, smoking, and spitting on roads, while respecting local traditions."

NC MLA Ahsan Pardesi defended his bill, stating that unrestricted alcohol sales go against Kashmir’s cultural and religious values.

"Our heritage has always been against intoxicants, and this bill is a step towards preserving those traditions," he said.

Historical Context: Alcohol in Kashmir

Kashmir has long been known for its hospitality and cultural diversity, with tourism playing a vital role in the region’s economy. The first liquor shop in the Valley was established during the British era. Since then, alcohol has been available in the region, but its sale faced major restrictions when insurgency broke out in the 1990s. Islamist militant groups enforced an unofficial ban on liquor stores, forcing many to shut down.

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NC’s Stand on Alcohol Ban

The National Conference has taken a different approach, advocating for personal choice rather than a blanket ban. The party believes that tourists should have the freedom to decide whether they want to consume alcohol.

As the assembly session approaches, the liquor ban debate is expected to intensify, with political parties clashing over cultural values, public sentiment, and tourism economics. Whether the ban will be implemented remains to be seen, but for now, it has become a major talking point in Jammu and Kashmir.