Alcohol Ban Bill Triggers Political Storm in J&K Assembly
The Jammu and Kashmir Prohibition of Alcohol Bill, 2025, aimed at banning the sale of liquor in the Union Territory, is set to be a major point of contention in the ongoing budget session of the assembly.
Cross-Party Support for Ban
Three legislators—Fayaz Mir (PDP), Ahsan Pardesi (NC), and Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad (AIP)—have moved private members’ bills supporting the ban. The PDP intensified the campaign with a public signature drive, led by Iltija Mufti.
Former CM Mehbooba Mufti reached out to Congress and other opposition leaders, urging support for the bill, emphasizing that the issue is cultural, not political.
Even the BJP, often at odds with regional parties, backed the proposal, calling for Muslim-majority J&K to become a dry state.
NC Faces a Dilemma
While some NC legislators support the ban, a faction within the party opposes it, citing economic concerns. The UT government relies on liquor sales for nearly ₹2,500 crore in revenue, particularly as tourism flourishes with improved law and order.
When asked about the bill, CM Omar Abdullah distanced himself, stating:
“Let them bring the bill. A liquor ban was never part of our manifesto.”
Divided Opinions
NC MP Aga Ruhullah strongly supports the ban and criticized the removal of banners discouraging alcohol consumption. He condemned the police action and accused the LG administration of suppressing Kashmiri identity and culture.
Meanwhile, NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq initially suggested consulting tourism and hospitality stakeholders before imposing a ban. However, after public backlash, he retracted his statement, affirming his support for the ban.
Political Strategy
With public sentiment leaning toward prohibition, the NC is expected to delay the bill rather than take a firm stand. Opposition parties plan to use this issue to pressure the ruling government.
Political analyst Ishfaq Ahmad believes,
“NC is in a Catch-22 situation. It can neither openly support nor oppose the bill, so it will likely delay the discussion.”
Liquor Sales Surge in J&K
Despite political debates, alcohol sales have nearly doubled in the past decade. The government has issued new liquor licenses, reopening shops across urban and rural Kashmir.
Security concerns persist, as seen in the 2022 grenade attack at a liquor shop in Baramulla, which left one dead and several injured. However, despite temporary closures, the shop eventually reopened with government protection, reflecting the administration’s reluctance to enforce prohibition.
With economic interests clashing with cultural sensitivities, the fate of the alcohol ban in J&K remains uncertain.
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