||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh May 12,2026||

Jammu: The recent move by C. Joseph Vijay directing the closure and relocation of liquor shops situated near religious places, educational institutions and bus stands in Tamil Nadu has triggered fresh debate in Jammu over the functioning of wine shops in sensitive areas across the city.

Residents and social activists in Jammu have questioned why similar action has not been taken in the Union Territory, especially in Jammu city, which is widely known as the “City of Temples.” Several liquor outlets continue to operate near temples, schools and colleges, raising concerns among citizens over the protection of religious and cultural values.

Locals say that while Jammu and Kashmir depends heavily on tourism and requires financial growth from multiple sectors, development should not come at the cost of religious ethos and social values.

“If a newly elected Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu can take a strong decision to relocate or shut liquor shops near places of worship and educational institutions, why are leaders in Jammu silent on the issue?” questioned a resident during an interaction with the media.

Citizens have expressed disappointment that no major political leader from Jammu division has seriously raised the issue of relocating liquor outlets functioning close to religious places and educational institutions. Many believe the matter concerns the cultural and spiritual identity of Jammu and deserves immediate attention from policymakers.

Observers allege that political representatives from Jammu are often seen engaged in personal attacks and political confrontations while core public concerns linked to religious sentiments and social values remain ignored.

Social activists argue that the issue is not merely about liquor sales but about maintaining the sanctity of religious places and ensuring a healthy environment around schools and colleges. They have demanded a comprehensive review of the liquor outlet policy in Jammu and Kashmir along with strict guidelines regarding the location of wine shops.

The debate has once again brought focus on whether the administration and elected representatives are willing to balance economic interests with the preservation of Jammu’s religious and cultural identity.

Sunil Sharma