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SRINAGAR FEB 16:-A heated debate has erupted over the proposed liquor ban in Jammu and Kashmir, with National Loktantrik Party (NLP) spokesperson Mohammad Yaqoob Dunoo sharply criticizing National Conference (NC) MLA Zadibal, Tanveer Sadiq, for his remarks regarding its potential impact on tourism.
Tanveer Sadiq warned that a complete prohibition could negatively affect the region’s tourism-dependent economy, emphasizing the need for careful consideration. “Jammu and Kashmir relies heavily on tourism, and we must evaluate how such a move would impact visitors. Even many Arab countries have regulated alcohol systems,” he stated.
NLP Chief Spokesperson Mohammad Yaqoob Dunoo strongly rejected this argument, citing a famous poetic verse: “Kabba kis muh se jaoge Ghalib, sharam tumko magar nahi aati” (How will you face the Kaaba, Ghalib, when you have no shame?). He asserted that alcohol is strictly forbidden in Islam and emphasized the need to protect Kashmir’s religious and cultural identity. “With nearly 80% of Kashmir’s population being Muslim, we strongly demand a complete ban on liquor in the Valley,” he declared.
Questioning Sadiq’s reasoning, Dunoo stated, “If alcohol is banned in Gujarat because Mahatma Gandhi was born there, how can it be justified in Kashmir, the land of Sufis and Rishis? We completely oppose its presence here.”
He dismissed the argument that a ban would harm tourism, stating, “Tourists visit Kashmir for its breathtaking beauty, warm hospitality, mesmerizing snow-covered mountains, lush green forests, and iconic sites like Dal Lake—not for alcohol. Tourists are free to consume alcohol in their own states; they do not need to come to Kashmir for it. Unfortunately, some politicians are misleading the people of Kashmir, exposing their true agendas.”
Dunoo also highlighted the social consequences of alcohol consumption, claiming, “In liquor shops across Kashmir, 80% of alcohol is purchased and consumed by locals, while only 1-2% is bought by tourists. I have personally witnessed this. Many families have been destroyed due to alcohol addiction, and we will never allow it to become common in Kashmir.”
Yaqoob Dunoo’s remarks have reignited the debate surrounding the proposed liquor ban, underscoring the clash between economic considerations and religious and cultural values. The discussion continues as political figures and the public weigh the potential consequences of alcohol regulation in the region.
