Srinagar, Feb 11 : DPAP Senior leader, Peer Bilal, is stressing the need for stricter laws to curb alcohol consumption in Jammu and Kashmir, considering the region’s rich Sufi traditions and the escalating drug addiction crisis.
The DPAP leader believes that such legislation is crucial to address the growing concerns related to alcohol consumption.
Bilal’s stance is significant, especially given the party’s willingness to support such a move. However, it’s worth noting that similar private member bills have been proposed in the past but were rejected due to lack of majority support.
Peer Bilal, Senior Leader of DPAP, is questioning why Jammu and Kashmir can’t enforce a liquor ban when states like Gujarat have successfully done so. This concern is timely, as a private member’s bill proposing a liquor ban in Jammu and Kashmir was recently submitted by PDP MLA Fayaz Ahmad Mir.
The bill, which will be discussed in the upcoming budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, calls for restrictions on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcohol. It also advocates for stringent penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for those violating the proposed ban.
Bilal’s question highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issues related to alcohol consumption in Jammu and Kashmir.
By citing the example of Gujarat, which has had a liquor ban in place since 1960, Bilal emphasizes that a similar ban can be enforced in Jammu and Kashmir, given the will to do so. Peer Bilal asked when Gujrat, Bihar, Mizoram and other stated can enforce liquor ban why not J&K.
