Srinagar, Feb 12: In a significant move aimed at preserving Kashmir’s rich Sufi-Reshi heritage, National Conference MLA Ahsan Pardesi has introduced a Private Member Bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, seeking a complete ban on alcohol in Kashmir and other Muslim-majority areas of the region.
Pardesi, representing Lal Chowk, has strongly advocated for the closure of liquor shops, emphasizing that alcohol consumption is incompatible with Kashmir’s religious, cultural, and social fabric. He stated that Islam strictly prohibits intoxicants, and the sale of alcohol disregards the deeply rooted traditions of the Valley.
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Preserving Kashmir’s Spiritual Legacy
“Our land has always upheld Sufi-Reshi traditions, where intoxicants have never been a part of our ethos. This bill is a step toward safeguarding those values and ensuring that future generations are not led astray by the availability of alcohol,” Pardesi asserted.
Addressing Social Concerns & Public Grievances
Parsedi also highlighted the adverse societal impact of alcohol, linking it to crime, moral degradation, and youth addiction. With Kashmir already battling a severe drug crisis, Pardesi warned that easy access to alcohol could further erode the moral and social fabric of the region.
The bill gains significance as residents of Lal Chowk and other areas have long protested against the high concentration of liquor shops, calling for their closure.
Bill to Be Taken Up in Assembly Session
The proposed eight-page bill is set to be tabled in the upcoming Assembly session, where it is expected to spark a crucial debate on cultural preservation, public health, and social responsibility.
Pardesi’s initiative is being widely welcomed by various sections of society, who see it as a necessary step toward upholding Kashmir’s identity and values.
