Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 15: People’s Forum has appealed the J&K LG Administration to close wine shop at Boulevard Road Srinagar.
Addressing a press conference here today, chairman of People’s Forum Sheikh Sarwar, general secretary Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan and secretary Amit Koul lashed out at J&K Administration for opening liquor shops at public places, especially on busy Boulevard Road Srinagar.
Sheikh Sarwar said that the opening of liquor shops in Srinagar outskirts of Pantha Chowk and Boulevard Road locality has led to outrage in the valley and locals are demanding closure of these wine shops. He termed opening of the wine shops as mischievous and an act that will hurt the sentiments of the people, majority of whom are Muslims.
Arguing for closing of the wine shop at Boulevard Road, Sarwar said there are schools and religious places near the shop that can hurt the sentiments of the people living in the vicinity as Kashmir is a conservative society and opening of wine shops at public places can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.
He said since March 2021, there have been many protests against opening of new liquor shops including at Jammu against the decision with many arguing that the decision push youth towards alcoholism. He said even as there is no official ban, in Kashmir alcohol consumption is frowned upon and considered by some as a vice on Islamic grounds.
“I am deeply concerned by Government’s decision to open wine shops throughout Kashmir, something, I believe, will affect Kashmir youth,” Sarwar said, adding, in the garb of tourism, Government is pushing youth towards liquor.
He asserted that administration must roll back the order of opening of wine shop at Boulevard Road. “If the decision is not rolled back, People’s Forum will intensify the protest against the move,” Sarwar added.
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