Warns against cultural invasion under different pretexts
Srinagar, February 15: Valley Citizen Council General Secretary Imdad Saqi has strongly criticized legislator Tanvir Sadiq for advocating a reconsideration of the alcohol ban in Jammu and Kashmir, calling his remarks “irresponsible” and driven by commercial interests rather than public sentiment.
Saqi firmly rejected the argument that lifting the ban would benefit tourism, stating that the people demand complete prohibition, not compromises disguised as economic necessity.
“Why can’t Jammu and Kashmir be a dry region when other Indian states have done so successfully while still attracting tourists?” he asked. “These excuses betray the public’s trust. If such indifference continues, it will fuel deep resentment.”
Emphasizing the religious and cultural sensitivities surrounding alcohol, Saqi reminded Sadiq that Islam explicitly prohibits its consumption and deems its trade unlawful for Muslims.
“Elected representatives must uphold the people’s values and well-being, not prioritize business interests,” he asserted, urging leaders to respect the region’s ethos.
The controversy has reignited debate, with activists and supporters of the ban rallying behind Saqi. “This is not just a suggestion—it’s the will of the people,” said a supporter.
Saqi also warned against the broader risk of cultural erosion, stressing that long-standing societal taboos should not be normalized under the guise of modernization or tourism. “We must safeguard our cultural identity and resist pressures that seek to dilute our moral fabric,” he cautioned.
