Liquor Policy in J&K: A Political and Social Flashpoint
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh February 22,2025 ||
Jammu/ Kashmir: The liquor policy in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has become a major flashpoint, with political leaders, social activists, and religious groups weighing in. While the government has been pushing for a more revenue-centric approach to liquor sales, concerns about cultural, religious, and ethical implications have intensified. The issue has raised several questions: Who is driving the liquor policy? Why are key political figures silent? Is there a larger agenda behind the policy shift? And why are activists demanding a CBI probe?
Understanding the Shift in Liquor Policy:
The controversy revolves around the J&K Excise Policy, which has undergone significant changes in recent years.
Earlier Policy:
• Liquor licenses were granted under an “off-license” system, meaning that selected vendors had long-term licenses.
• Strict regulations prohibited liquor shops within 200 meters of religious places and schools.
• The government controlled distribution tightly, ensuring that licenses were limited and operated under clear rules.
• Current Policy (Post-2020 Reforms):
• A new tender-based system was introduced, allowing liquor licenses to be bid upon yearly.
• The 200-meter restriction from religious places and schools has reportedly been relaxed.
• More liquor shops have opened, increasing accessibility and consumption.
• Activists allege that a liquor mafia is controlling the trade, influencing decision-making at the highest levels.
Why the Sudden Expansion?
Government officials justify the policy change as a move to boost revenue, citing economic benefits from increased excise duty collections. However, critics argue that J&K’s social fabric and religious sentiments are being ignored in the process.
Political Reactions: Why Are Key Leaders Silent?
Iltija Mufti: The Lone Political Voice Against Liquor Expansion
Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, has been one of the few political figures openly questioning the liquor policy. She has argued that the government is promoting liquor sales at the cost of public health, religious sentiments, and social harmony.
Her opposition aligns with PDP’s broader political stance of challenging the BJP-led administration in J&K. However, her party has not taken a strong collective stance, leaving her as one of the lone voices against the policy.
Omar and Farooq Abdullah: Strategic Silence?
The National Conference, led by Omar and Farooq Abdullah, has not commented on the liquor issue. Their silence has led to speculation about whether they support the policy but do not want to alienate their voter base by openly endorsing it.
Political analysts suggest two possible reasons for their silence:
• Avoiding a clash with the administration, as liquor contributes to government revenue.
• Maintaining neutrality to avoid losing votes from communities that oppose liquor sales.
Mian Altaf: A Missing Voice from the Gujjar Community:
Mian Altaf, a prominent Gujjar leader and elected MP, has also not spoken on the issue. Given that the Gujjar community is known for its conservative stance on alcohol, his silence is surprising.
Some speculate that he is avoiding controversy ahead of upcoming political developments or has been advised to stay quiet to prevent communal polarization.
BJP’s 28 MLAs: Why No Stand?
Despite having a strong presence in J&K, BJP leaders and MLAs have avoided discussing liquor policy. This suggests that the excise reforms were approved at the highest levels of administration, leaving local leaders with little room to oppose them.
Some BJP leaders privately acknowledge concerns over liquor expansion but remain silent to avoid contradicting the party’s policies.
Social and Religious Backlash: Growing Demand for a Ban
• Several social and religious groups in Jammu have called for a complete ban on liquor sales in the City of Temples.
• Concerns include increased alcoholism, rising crime rates, and moral degradation.
• Activists argue that liquor shops near temples and schools violate the earlier policy that safeguarded public spaces from alcohol influence.
• Women’s groups have also raised concerns about alcohol-related domestic violence and crime.
CBI Inquiry Demanded: Allegations of Liquor Mafia Control
Amid growing controversies, calls for a CBI investigation into the excise policy have intensified.
Key Allegations:
Liquor Mafia Nexus:
• Activists claim that a well-connected liquor mafia has manipulated the new tendering system to ensure control over sales.
• New licenses are allegedly being awarded to a few influential groups, sidelining local businesses.
Unregulated Pricing and Overcharging:
• Consumers report that liquor vendors are charging above MRP, and authorities are ignoring complaints.
Lack of Quality Control:
• Unlike other states where liquor undergoes quality testing, J&K’s excise department allegedly does not conduct proper sample checks.
• There are concerns that low-quality liquor is being sold at high prices, raising health risks.
Loss of Local Business:
• Small liquor vendors who had licenses under the previous system have been pushed out by larger players dominating the new tender process.
Will the Government Respond?
The liquor debate in J&K has exposed deep divisions between economic interests and social concerns. While the government insists that the policy is for revenue generation, opposition from activists and certain political voices highlights the potential risks of unregulated alcohol expansion.
With increasing calls for a CBI inquiry, stricter regulations, and a possible rollback of relaxed norms, the issue is unlikely to fade away soon. The real question remains: Will the government prioritize revenue or listen to public sentiment and reconsider the liquor policy?
