BJP Activists Demand Liquor Ban in Jammu and Kashmir Amid Protests
BJP activists march to CM Abdullah’s residence in Srinagar to push for liquor ban across J&K
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
On May 15, 2026, BJP leaders and activists marched towards Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's residence in Srinagar, demanding a complete ban on liquor sales in Jammu and Kashmir. The protest was met with police intervention, leading to several detentions, while government officials defended the current policies citing revenue generated from liquor sales.
- 01The protest occurred on Gupkar Road, a significant political area in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
- 02BJP spokesman Sajid Yousuf Shah emphasized the need for a liquor-free campaign to combat local youth issues related to alcohol and drugs.
- 03The J&K government reported liquor sales generated over ₹3,450 crore (approximately $414 million USD) in revenue over the last three financial years.
- 04Jammu district has more than 140 wine shops and 84 bars, while Srinagar has seven wine shops and four bars.
- 05J&K Minister Satish Sharma stated that the BJP's protests are irrelevant as they are in the opposition and have been rejected by voters.
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On May 15, 2026, a significant protest organized by local leaders and activists of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took place in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, demanding a complete ban on liquor sales in the region. The march towards Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's residence on Gupkar Road was met with police resistance, resulting in the detention of several BJP leaders, including Sajid Yousuf Shah and Altaf Thakur. Shah criticized Abdullah's defense of liquor sales, arguing that a liquor-free campaign is essential to address issues of youth substance abuse. The protest highlighted the BJP's stance against alcohol, linking it to broader concerns over drug use in the region. In response, officials from the National Conference (NC) and the J&K government defended the existing policies, citing the substantial revenue generated from liquor sales, which amounted to over ₹3,450 crore (approximately $414 million USD) in the past three years. They pointed out that the current government had approved new liquor outlets in various districts to support economic development. Despite the BJP's opposition, government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing development in Jammu and Kashmir.
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The protest reflects ongoing tensions regarding alcohol policy in Jammu and Kashmir, which could influence future regulations and community health initiatives.
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