Clamour for Booze Ban in Kashmir Grows, Signature Drive Launched

3 Legislators of PDP, AIP, NC Submit Private Bills in J&K Assembly Pushing for the Ban

- Mir Ehsan

SRINAGAR: As the clamour for alcohol ban grows in Valley, daughter of former J&K chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Saturday began a signature campaign to garner support for the ban even as three legislators submitted private bills in the J&K assembly in support of the same.

The bills have been submitted by PDP legislator from Kupwara Fayaz Mir, AIP legislator from Langate Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh and NC legislator Ahsan Pardesi. Traders in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir are also demanding an alcohol ban.

Iltija, while starting the signature campaign from the party office, sought support from other political parties, including National Conference (NC) and BJP.

"Our member from Kupwara Fayaz Mir has moved a bill in the J&K assembly seeking ban on the sale of alcohol. Kashmir is known as Valley of saints so I request other political parties be PC, NC or the BJP to support this bill as drugs and alcohol is ruining our young generations," Iltija, who was accompanied by several party leaders and workers, told media.