SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq on Friday condemned the recent developments surrounding the opening of a liquor shop in Batmaloo, Srinagar, terming it as a direct attack on the religious, cultural, and societal fabric of Kashmir.
Addressing a large congregation at Jama Masjid, the Mirwaiz expressed deep concern over a notice issued by the Batmaloo traders and business community announcing their decision to close shops for three days in protest of the liquor shop’s establishment. He called upon the government to intervene immediately to stop the sale of liquor in the area, warning that if authorities fail to act, ulemas, civil society, and the people will be compelled to protest collectively.
“This is very disturbing and totally unacceptable to the people of Kashmir. It is an assault on our religious, cultural, and societal ethos, and a complete disregard for our values,” Mirwaiz asserted. “Already, we are battling the menace of drug addiction; now, the authorities are promoting liquor to further damage our society and jeopardize future generations.”
He questioned the rationale behind promoting liquor in a Muslim-majority region, emphasizing that the consumption of alcohol is against Islamic teachings and Kashmiri cultural norms. “Why is liquor being promoted here in J&K, when it is banned in places like Gujarat, which remains a dry state? Has tourism in Kashmir not flourished for decades without alcohol? The argument that liquor boosts tourism is baseless and insulting to our traditions.”
Mirwaiz urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to take swift action and prevent the opening of such liquor shops in Kashmir. “It is their duty to protect our cultural and religious identity. They must stop this assault on our values immediately,” he demanded.
He further warned that if the government fails to respond, the people and spiritual leaders will have no choice but to organize protests to defend their faith and way of life. “We will stand united to oppose this blatant attempt to undermine our society,” he declared.
Liquor promotion in Kashmir assault on our faith, culture, future: Mirwaiz
