Jammu, Mar 30: Legislators in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday expressed divergent views on the proposed prohibition, with some flagging its potential adverse impact on the economy and tourism, while others asserted that liquor consumption cannot be controlled through laws alone.
Congress MLA from Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, said the issue of liquor consumption should be left to individual conscience rather than being regulated by legal provisions.
“You cannot bind it with the law. There are problems in that too,” MLA Bhat told reporters outside the Assembly, as per Kashmir Convener.
He said the Congress party, as a responsible opposition and a partner in the government, would take a “dispassionate view” of the contents of the bill if it is introduced in the House.
The Congress leader also highlighted the economic dependence on liquor taxation, stating that the Union Territory’s finances are significantly reliant on revenue from alcohol sales.
“This is not a good thing. There is a need to stop it. There is a need for social awareness,” he said, adding that Mahatma Gandhi’s views were clear that alcohol destroys society.
Meanwhile, National Conference leader and MLA from Pampore, Hasnain Masoodi, cautioned that a complete ban on liquor could have a negative impact on the tourism industry and government revenues, while also raising concerns over enforcement challenges and the potential rise in smuggling.
“Liquor is a major source of revenue, and we have to keep that in mind,” MLA Masoodi said, adding that the government currently earns approximately ₹4,000 crore annually from liquor-related revenues.
He said a complete ban could affect budgetary allocations and development works. “Our finances will be hit, and that will impact development,” the NC leader said.
MLA Masoodi also questioned the effectiveness of prohibition, citing the examples of Bihar and Gujarat where liquor is banned but illegal trade continues to thrive.
“Even if liquor is banned, will it be effective without smuggling?” he asked, noting that such bans have often led to an increase in spurious liquor and loss of lives.
Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA from Pulwama, Waheed ur Rehman Para, said his party has moved a bill seeking a ban on the sale of liquor in public places in Jammu and Kashmir.
MLA Para said PDP Leader Fayaz Mir was bringing the bill through the legislative process to declare the Union Territory a dry state, akin to Gujarat.
“Jammu and Kashmir is a tourist state. Many people come here for Mata Vaishno Devi, the Amarnath Yatra, and due to religious sentiments in Kashmir. We want Jammu and Kashmir to be considered a dry state, just like Gujarat,” MLA Para said.
He emphasised the need for such a measure in view of the rising prevalence of drugs and depression among the youth. “We want the youth to stop drinking in public places. There should be a ban on the sale of liquor in public places,” the PDP leader said.
MLA Para expressed hope that the government would consider the bill, describing it as a “genuine issue” in demand across the Union Territory. He further said there was a strong social demand for banning public sale of liquor and called on other parties to support the initiative.
The remarks from the legislators come amid a growing debate over prohibition in the Union Territory, with several members advocating a ban, citing its impact on families and the social fabric.
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