Jammu Tawi: Sunil Dimple, president of Mission Statehood, has called for the introduction of a bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to ban the sale of liquor in the region. Dimple particularly emphasized the need to halt liquor sales in Jammu, known as the city of temples, masjids, and gurudwaras, and at the holy site of Katra Mata Vaishno Devi.
Dimple criticized the BJP-led government for its liquor policy following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which he claims led to the opening of approximately 300 wine shops in Jammu city. He accused the “outsider liquor mafia” of aligning with local BJP leaders and businesspeople to dominate the liquor industry in the region, despite protests from local residents.
Dimple warned of mass agitation if the government fails to act and continue to allow new liquor shops. He also raised concerns over the growing number of drug addicts and alcohol consumers among the youth of Jammu. He urged the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to introduce a bill to ban liquor sales in the upcoming assembly session, citing similar laws in states like Gujarat, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
In addition to his demand for a liquor ban, Dimple called on the government to restore essential services for Jammu and Kashmir residents, including free drinking water, 200 units of electricity, 12 LPG cylinders, and double ration starting in March 2025. He also demanded the revival of the darbar move in April.
Senior leaders, including Bishan Das, Sudershan Sharma, and Mohan Lal, were present at the press conference.
