BJP to Hold Protest Against Wine Shops in Kashmir Today | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kashmir unit has announced a protest march in Srinagar today against the operation of wine shops in the Kashmir Valley, demanding a complete ban on the sale and purchase of alcohol across the region.

In a statement issued by the party’s co-media in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir, the protest has also been directed against the ruling National Conference, which the BJP has accused of supporting or defending liquor sales in the Valley.

As per the programme, BJP leaders and workers will assemble at Ram Munshi Bagh in Sonwar at 10:00 am before marching towards the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Gupkar.

The party said the demonstration is intended to reflect public opposition to alcohol sales in Kashmir.

The announcement comes days after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the government had no plans to expand liquor outlets in Jammu and Kashmir, while also noting that an outright ban was not feasible at present.

He had further remarked that alcohol consumption already exists in the region, questioning whether it should be regulated openly or left to illegal channels.