67 locations identified for new liquor shops in Kashmir: Sources

SRINAGAR — The J&K Government is going to open liquor sale points at different locations in Kashmir valley in a Muslim-majority area. On the other hand, Islam orders ban on its production, sale, supply and consumption.

The Excise Department has identified 183 new locations — 116 in Jammu and 67 in Kashmir valley — for sale of liquor.

According to an official document, the Excise Department has conducted a survey in exercise of the powers under Rule 28 of the J&K Liquor and License Rules-1984 and Section 4(B) of the Excise Act and identified these locations for the opening of new sale points.

In 2017, it was all due to threats of militant groups that the then PDP-BJP government was forced to review its decision of opening a ‘duty-paid’ liquor shop even at the Srinagar airport.

According to official data of the Excise Department, out of total 224 liquor shops in J&K, 220 shops are in Jammu province. In Jammu district only, there are 135 liquor shops and only a dozen have been allowed to open.

All the 10 districts of the Jammu region have liquor shops, while only four shops are running in summer capital Srinagar, among the 10 districts of Kashmir. The four liquor shops of Srinagar are functioning in ‘safer zones’ due to threats of militant groups.

There are two liquor shops in Leh district of the Ladakh region.

As per the documents, the survey conducted by the Excise department has identified spots/places in all districts of Kashmir comprising Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag followed by Srinagar, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Budgam.

While terming the proposed auction of liquor shops as unfortunate and unacceptable, Karwan-i-Islam chief Maulana Ghulam Rasool Hami said, “Whole Kashmiri nation, irrespective of religion, from Lakhanpora to the hills of Ladakh rejects the proposal of new liquor shops.”

He added that religious and social organizations are working on it to form a joint platform to oppose the move by tooth and nail. He also said that when it comes to Kashmir, deliberate actions are taken to implicate the youth in drugs and unethical activities.

While quoting the Supreme Court (SC) judgement, he said, “SC says liquor shops shouldn’t be opened in the areas where popular sentiment is against it. Liquor can’t be imposed on people.”

“No question of setting up new liquor shops in Kashmir or Jammu. This is a fresh assault on Kashmir’s culture and a move to drag Valley youth towards immorality,” he said, adding that the fresh move will face stiff opposition from all quarters.