Jammu, Mar 21: The Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu and Kashmir unit has strongly opposed the high concentration of liquor shops in Hindu-dominated areas, alleging a well-planned conspiracy. The party claims that 95.4% of liquor shops in J&K are located in Jammu division, while only 4.6% are in Kashmir.
Manish Sahni, President of Shiv Sena (UBT) J&K, criticised this distribution. He referred to the famous song “Peeta Nahi, Pilayi Gayi Hai” by Mohammad Rafi, implying that alcohol consumption is being deliberately promoted.
Sahni was responding to a controversial statement made by AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, who allegedly linked alcohol consumption to the Hindu community. He argued that the claim is baseless and unfounded, saying that the majority of liquor shops (291 out of 305) are in Hindu-majority Jammu division.
“The government is concerned about public health by opening Mohalla clinics, yet in Jammu division, Mohalla wine shops are being set up at every step, attracting people toward alcohol,” Sahni said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) has expressed deep concern over the continuous increase in liquor shops in Hindu-majority areas, saying the move ignores religious sentiments.
Sahni accused both the BJP and Kashmiri rulers of being complicit in this expansion. He claimed that the proliferation of liquor shops began in 2014 under the PDP-BJP government led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and has continued even after J&K was reorganised as a Union Territory.
“The city of temples, Jammu, has today been transformed into a city of liquor under a planned conspiracy,” he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded a thorough investigation into who is behind the increasing number of liquor shops in Hindu-majority areas. Sahni said BJP leaders, who claim to be protectors of Hindu interests, should openly support a liquor ban.
An inquiry must be conducted into illegal earnings and overpricing by many liquor sellers, who allegedly charge above the MRP, he said.
Sahni urged the public and political representatives to stand against this issue and ensure that the faith and values of the community are protected.
