Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: A strong wave of protest demanding a complete ban on liquor and intoxicants swept through Jammu as Sunil Dimple, President of Mission Statehood Jammu Kashmir, spearheaded a massive demonstration in the city. Raising serious concerns over rising addiction among youth, Dimple urged the government to immediately pass a bill in the Assembly to prohibit the sale of liquor, particularly in Jammu—revered as the “City of Temples”—and in the holy town of Katra.
Addressing the media, Dimple made a direct appeal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take urgent action and introduce legislation banning liquor, gutka, and tobacco across Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that the growing number of wine shops—reportedly over 300 in Jammu alone—has contributed significantly to substance abuse among youth.
Dimple alleged that the administration itself is encouraging liquor consumption by expanding the network of wine shops, bringing them “to people’s doorsteps.” He expressed concern that this trend has led to an increase in crime, domestic violence, and family disputes, stating that many households are suffering due to alcohol addiction.
In a sharp political attack, Dimple accused 29 BJP MLAs of opposing the proposed ban, claiming they are not supporting the legislation. He further alleged that certain political figures have vested interests in liquor businesses, which is why they are resisting the move. He called upon all 90 members of the Legislative Assembly, including BJP legislators, to rise above political considerations and support the bill in the interest of society.
Highlighting the majority held by the ruling alliance, Dimple asserted that the government has the numbers required to pass the bill independently and should act decisively to safeguard future generations from addiction.
Issuing a stern warning, Dimple said that if the government fails to implement the ban, he will call for a Jammu bandh to intensify the agitation. He also cautioned that political parties and MLAs opposing the ban would be publicly exposed.
The protest saw participation from several senior leaders and activists, including Vijay Khajuria, Dev Raj, Bishan Dass Vipan, Mukesh, Rakesh Sharma, Ram Kumar Das, Akbar Khan, Shafi Khan, Nazir Ahmad, Nasir, and others, who extended their full support to the movement.
Dimple also criticized the continued delay in the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, calling it another pressing issue that requires immediate attention from the authorities.
The protest marks a significant escalation in the ongoing debate over liquor policies in Jammu and Kashmir, with growing public discourse around social impact, governance, and political accountability.
