Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday staged a protest in Srinagar against the operation of wine shops in Kashmir, demanding an immediate and complete ban on the sale of liquor in the Valley.
The protest march commenced from the Ram Munshi Bagh area in Sonwar and proceeded towards Gupkar Road, where the residence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is located.
BJP leaders and party workers raised slogans against the sale of alcohol and accused the ruling Jammu & Kashmir National Conference of encouraging liquor trade in the region despite public opposition.
BJP State Co-Media Incharge Advocate Sajid Yousuf Shah said the party was demanding a complete prohibition on liquor sales in Kashmir, describing the issue as closely linked to the Valley’s social and religious values.
“The sale of liquor in Kashmir Valley is a direct assault on our social and religious ethos. The government must respect public sentiment and impose a complete ban on wine shops,” Shah said while addressing protesters.
He further stated that tourists visit Kashmir for its natural beauty, hospitality and cultural heritage, and not for alcohol consumption. Promoting liquor in the name of tourism, he added, was “unacceptable” and against the sentiments of the people.
Police personnel later intercepted the protesters and prevented them from marching further towards Gupkar Road to maintain law and order in the area.
