After criticism, J&K says no policy decision on fresh liquor licences yet

SRINAGAR : The Jammu and Kshmir administration has put the plan of opening 67 liquor shops across Kashmir on hold after widespread public resentment over the move

Recently an order from the government’s excise department seeking approval of opening of liquor shops at different places from the finance department went viral on social media. The excise department had even identified 67 locations in Kashmir where these liquor shops would be established.

This order resulted in anger among the people, with social and religious groups vowing to oppose the decision tooth and nail. Sensing the mood, the administration clarified that the decision will only be implemented after taking all the stakeholders into confidence.

“The finance department has clarified and urged everyone not to believe any rumours or half baked news,” J&K administration spokesperson and principal secretary, Rohit Kansal said in a tweet.

“The finance department has not taken any policy decision regarding issuance of fresh liquor licenses in unserved areas. No list of unserved areas has either been considered or approved. No decision will be taken without the participation of stakeholders and due process,’’ he tweeted.

Many people questioned the administration to clarify whether its order circulating on social media is fake.

“This is unfortunate that when we are perturbed with drugs in Kashmir, the administration is planning to open the liquor shops. We will oppose this move and will never allow this to happen as it’s going to ruin our young generation,’’ said Khursheed Ahmad, who runs a social organisation in north Kashmir.

Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, a former legislator and senior leader of the J&K Apni Party said that the administration’s proposal to open liquor shops at around 183 newly identified locations in J&K including 67 in Kashmir valley is totally unacceptable as the decision is bound to have disastrous consequences for peace.

Manhas said the pretext of generating much-needed revenue does not hold water as J&K is one of the progressive states.

“There are other states like Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Lakshadweep which are coping with the lockdown despite a ban on liquor sale and consumption. Why choose predominantly Muslim areas of Kashmir Valley for opening large scale liquor sale points when there is no such requirement?” he asked.

Former PDP leader and now chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum, Abdul Qayoom Wani also termed it a dangerous move.

Mutahida Majlish-e- Ulema, an amalgam of different religious organisations led by Hurriyat chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said, “In the midst of the major global pandemic, the government is bringing ordinances and rules to change the demography of the Muslim majority of the state.’’

RECENTLY, A DOCUMENT OF THE EXCISE DEPT SEEKING FINANCE

DEPT NOD TO OPEN LIQUOR SHOPS WAS CIRCULATED WIDELY ON SOCIAL MEDIA