The movement is not about restricting personal freedoms but about protecting families, reducing crime, and improving public health. If implemented with careful planning, the liquor ban can contribute to a more prosperous and harmonious Kashmir

By: DR FIAZ MAQBOOL FAZILI

Kashmir, often referred to as “Paradise on Earth,” is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its rich cultural heritage and deeply rooted traditions. The Kashmiri society has historically been modest, God-fearing, and deeply respectful of its religious and moral values. In recent years, however, there has been a growing demand from the civil society for a ban on liquor in the region. This demand is not merely a religious or political issue but is rooted in a broader concern for the moral, social, financial, and health hazards associated with alcohol consumption. The voices of concern for a liquor ban in Kashmir are a reflection of the civil society’s desire to preserve its cultural integrity, protect public health, and uphold its moral and religious values irrespective of whether any politician asks for it or not.

Kashmir is a region where religion plays a significant role in shaping the lives of its people. The majority of the population is following the faith of Islam which explicitly prohibits the consumption of alcohol. The Quran describes alcohol as “the work of Satan” and warns believers against its consumption, citing its potential to create enmity, hatred, and distraction from the remembrance of God. Similarly, other religious communities in Kashmir, including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and Buddhists, also discourage the consumption of alcohol on moral and spiritual grounds. For instance, Sikhism strictly prohibits intoxicants, including alcohol, as they are believed to cloud the mind and hinder spiritual growth. Hinduism, while not universally prohibiting alcohol, often associates its consumption with negative moral and social consequences.

The demand for a liquor ban in Kashmir is, therefore, deeply rooted in the not only in religious but moral fabric of the society. It is a call to align public policy with the values that have traditionally guided the lives of the people. For........

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