3 MLAs submit private members’ Bills seeking alcohol ban in J&K

Ahead of the Budget session in Jammu and Kashmir next month, MLAs from three political parties have submitted private members’ bills for enforcing alcohol ban across Jammu and Kashmir.

Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti said her party’s MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz has submitted a bill in the Legislative Assembly seeking ban on alcohol in the Union Territory.

“Alcohol consumption is ravaging lives across J&K and presents a grave threat to the very fabric of our society. Since 2019 the issue has been compounded by its easy availability because of the mushrooming of liquor stores,” she wrote on X.

“Kudos to PDP MLA @MirMohdFayaz for introducing a private bill seeking a ban on alcohol consumption. Much needed,” she said.

The bills will be tabled in the forthcoming session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, which will meet in Jammu for the budget session from March 3.

In the private bill, the PDP MLA stated that alcoholism was a progressive disease which damaged the psychological, emotional and physical health of both the alcoholic and his family. “If this trend of using alcohol is not checked at this point of time, it will prove disastrous for the society. As such, strict law on the subject is inevitable,” he stated.

Jailed Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittihad Party also said that party MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad has submitted a bill demanding a complete ban on alcohol.

“Liquor has no place in our spiritually rich society. A land known as ‘Reshwa’er’ (the land of saints) should not be tainted by alcohol trade. Since 2009 Er Rashid has been fighting against this menace and AIP remains steadfast in its mission to declare J&K a dry state,” AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said.

He said MP Rashid, despite being incarcerated, continues to inspire AIP’s fight for a ban on alcohol, online gaming and accountability in the education sector.

The party said they have also moved a bill to ban online gaming, which has led to financial and emotional ruin for countless families. “Unregulated online gaming has pushed many young people into gambling addiction and debt. This must be curbed before it causes more devastation,” Inam Un Nabi stated.

Meanwhile, NC MLA from Lalchowk, Ahsan Pardesi, said on Wednesday that he has introduced a private bill seeking the closure of wine shops in Kashmir and other Muslim-majority areas of Jammu and Kashmir, citing religious, cultural and social concerns.

“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,” he stated.