Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) senior leader Peer Bilal has made a strong case for banning liquor in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need to respect local customs and curb alcohol-related issues.
His call comes in response to recent incidents of unruly tourist behavior, including an incident where visitors were caught urinating in the iconic Dal Lake, sparking public outrage.
Peer Bilal highlighted that given Jammu and Kashmir’s Muslim-majority population, a liquor ban aligns with the region’s cultural and social fabric. Citing the successful implementation of prohibition in states like Gujarat, Bihar, and Meghalaya, he argued that such measures have proven effective in reducing alcohol-related problems and fostering a more responsible society.
He also pointed to data from the National Family Health Survey, which indicates that only 10.5% of men and 0.2% of women in Jammu and Kashmir consume alcohol.
“The majority of the population does not drink, which further strengthens the argument for a liquor ban,” Peer Bilal stated.
