Karwan-I-Islami Chief Gh. Rasool Hami Terms Move as Unacceptable,
Says Socio-Religious Organizations Working on Joint Strategy to Express Stiff Resistance Against it
The J&K Government is going to open liquor sale points at different locations in the 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 the 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 and separatist 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. There are two liquor shops in Leh district of the Ladakh region. The four liquor shops of Srinagar are functioning in ‘safer zones’ due to threats of militant groups.
As per the documents, the survey conducted by the Excise department has identified spots/places in all districts of Kashmir comprising of 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 religious 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 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 sentiments 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 the Kashmir’s culture and a move to drag Valley youth towards immorality,” he said adding that fresh move will face stiff opposition from all quarters.
