NC’s Ahsan Pardesi Submits Bill to Ban Alcohol in J&K: BJP’s Dr. Nirmal Singh Supports Move
Srinagar, Feb 12: A private member bill seeking a ban on alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir has been introduced in the Assembly by PDP legislator Fayaz Ahmad Mir from Kupwara. The bill calls for a complete prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
National Conference (NC) legislator Ahsan Pardesi has strongly backed the bill, emphasizing the need to safeguard Kashmir’s cultural and religious values. According to news agency JKNS, Pardesi argued that alcohol consumption contradicts Kashmir’s traditional Sufi-Reshi ethos and contributes to crime, moral decline, and addiction, especially among the youth.
“The unrestricted sale of alcohol undermines our religious and social principles. Our cultural heritage has always opposed intoxicants, and this bill is a measure to preserve those values,” Pardesi stated.
The proposed legislation has found support from senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh, who highlighted the growing awareness in Kashmir regarding the adverse effects of alcohol. However, he stressed the need for similar consciousness in Jammu.
“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,” Dr. Singh said.
He further pointed out that alcohol has destroyed families, with women being the worst victims. Addressing concerns about the economic impact on businesses dependent on alcohol sales in Jammu, he dismissed such arguments.
“If we justify the business of alcohol, then what stops us from legalizing drugs? Both are harmful, and there must be strict restrictions. The health and well-being of our people are far more important than commercial interests,” he added.
With strong political backing and rising public concerns over alcohol consumption, the bill is expected to spark intense debate in the upcoming Assembly session.
