Three J&K MLAs submit bills to declare J&K ‘Dry State’

Srinagar, Feb 12: The demand for banning alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir is gaining momentum as three MLAs have submitted private members’ bills seeking to declare the Union Territory a dry state.
The bills will be tabled in the upcoming budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on March 3 in Jammu.
The MLAs pushing for the ban include Mir Mohammad Fayaz from the People’s Democratic Party, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad from Awami Itehad Party and Ahsan Pardesi from the ruling National Conference. They argue that alcohol consumption is harming society, leading to addiction, family breakdowns, and moral decline.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti supported the move, stating that alcohol is destroying lives across J&K and that its availability has worsened since 2019 due to the increasing number of liquor stores. She praised Mir Mohammad Fayaz for introducing the bill, calling it a much-needed step.
The Awami Itehad Party (AIP), led by Engineer Rashid, has been campaigning for a complete ban on alcohol since 2009. AIP spokesperson Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad emphasized that liquor has no place in a spiritually rich society like Kashmir, which has historically been known as ‘Reshwari’ (Land of Saints).
AIP is also pushing for a ban on online gaming, stating that unregulated gaming platforms have led many young people into gambling addiction and financial ruin. The party believes that both alcohol consumption and online gaming pose serious threats to families and society.
NC MLA Ahsan Pardesi also voiced concerns over the unchecked sale of alcohol, stating that it disrespects Kashmir’s religious and cultural heritage. He called for strict measures to preserve the J&K’s traditional values, which have always opposed intoxicants.