PDP Proposes Liquor Ban in IIOJK Assembly

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is pushing for a complete ban on alcohol in IIOJK, citing the territory’s Muslim majority and aiming to strengthen cultural values.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is set to submit a bill in the regional assembly that seeks to impose a total ban on liquor in the Muslim-majority territory. The bill will be introduced by Fayaz Ahmad, an MLA from Kupwara, during the upcoming budget session of the IIOJK Legislative Assembly.

The proposed legislation calls for a complete prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacturing of alcoholic beverages in the region. The bill aims to protect the social and cultural values of the territory, which has a predominantly Muslim population, where alcohol consumption is prohibited in Islam.

To enforce this ban, the bill includes severe penalties for violations, including imprisonment and fines. The proposed measures are intended to deter illegal alcohol-related activities and ensure compliance with the new law. Supporters of the bill argue that such a move would help curb alcohol-related problems and promote a healthier, more culturally aligned lifestyle for the people of IIOJK.

This move by the PDP follows growing concerns about the rise of alcohol consumption and its negative effects on public health and social behavior in the region. If passed, this bill would mark a significant shift in the region’s policies surrounding alcohol and could set a precedent for other territories with similar demographic compositions.