Liquor sale proposal triggers outrage in Occupied Kashmir

Political parties, religious leaders, civil society users express opposition to 67 proposed sites for new shops liquor

SRINAGAR:  

Authorities in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) have identified 67 locations for the opening of liquor shops, a move that has invoked sharp criticism from civil society, religious leaders and political parties.

An order issued on June 16 by the office of the Excise Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir listed the points that had been determined in a survey, asking the region's finance department to start issuing licenses for the liquor shops via online auction.

However, upon social media criticism and sharp reactions from religious leaders and political parties, a government spokesman tweeted: "The finance department has NOT taken any policy decision regarding the issuance of fresh liquor licenses in unserved areas. NO list of unserved areas has either been considered or approved. No decision will be taken without the participation of stakeholders and due process."



"Department urges people not to be misled by any half-baked reports in this regard," he added.

The official identification of these locations across IOJ&K-- a predominantly Muslim region -- has been widely criticised.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, the Grand Mufti of Kashmir, Mufti Nasir, said: "This is an attack on the religious ethos and culture of Kashmir. Kashmiris would unfurl the banner of revolt if liquor vendors are opened in Kashmir."

"At interfaith meetings, I have attended in the past, even non-Muslims have told us that sale of liquor shouldn't be allowed here," he said.

Regional and countrywide political parties have also voiced concern to the move, with the country's main opposition National Conference, which has ruled the region for the better part of the past seven decades, saying it "smacked of an ulterior motive."

The president of the Bharatiya Janata Party for Indian Occupied Kashmir, Ravinder Raina, had in 2017 called for a complete ban on liquor sale in Kashmir. A resolution seeking a ban on the sale of liquor had been presented before the local assembly that year, but the government had not considered it.

The Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, a new political group believed to have the blessings of the Indian government, said in a statement that the decision was "bound to have disastrous consequences for peace in the region."

Meanwhile, a conglomeration of Kashmiri religious organisations known as the MMU has demanded the "immediate rollback" of the order.

The sale of liquor is banned in four states -- including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's native Gujarat -- and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.