BJP Protests in Srinagar for Complete Liquor Ban in Jammu and Kashmir
BJP holds protest in Srinagar, demanding liquor ban
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, demanding a complete ban on liquor sales, claiming that the current government supports the alcohol industry. Despite police intervention, BJP leaders emphasized their commitment to continue protesting until liquor shops near religious and educational sites are closed.
- 01BJP leaders, including general secretary Anwar Khan, led the protest against liquor sales in Jammu and Kashmir.
- 02The protest aimed to highlight the operation of liquor shops near sensitive areas, which the BJP claims undermines local culture.
- 03Former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu urged the National Conference to introduce a bill banning alcohol sales.
- 04Liquor sales have reportedly generated over ₹3,450 crore (approximately $415 million USD) in revenue over the past three years.
- 05The National Conference criticized the BJP and PDP for past policies that facilitated the opening of new liquor shops in the region.
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On Friday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a protest in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, demanding a complete ban on liquor sales in the region. Led by party general secretary Anwar Khan, the protest aimed to draw attention to the operation of liquor shops near religious places, educational institutions, and residential areas. Khan stated that the BJP will continue its peaceful protests until these establishments are shut down, asserting that Kashmir should not become a hub for alcohol culture. The protest follows a recent exchange between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Itlija Mufti regarding liquor policies. Abdullah has linked alcohol consumption to individual freedom and ruled out a ban, while the PDP has called for restrictions. Former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu urged the National Conference, led by Farooq Abdullah, to act on the issue and introduce a prohibition bill. The National Conference, however, has pointed fingers at the BJP and PDP for previous policies that allowed for the expansion of liquor sales in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting a complex interplay of political interests surrounding the liquor issue.
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The ongoing protests may influence local policies regarding alcohol sales, potentially affecting revenue and community standards in Jammu and Kashmir.
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