Harvinder Ahuja
A LCOHOL ban has become the dominant political and social narrative in Jammu & Kashmir in the recent days. The clamour for declaring the Union Territory ‘dry’ has grown as three MLAs, including one from the ruling National Conference, submitted private members’ Bills in this regard. Though the Speaker has expressed concern over the “unwarranted publicity” to notices given by the legislators regarding the House business, the issue spotlighted by them has generated an intense debate.
Those behind the Bills have put almost all political parties in a quandary as it is tough for them to take a stand contrary to the spirit of the Bills. The statements issued by the leaders of the BJP, CPM and PDP betray their predicament. Even the ruling NC had to go on the back foot after Kashmir’s chief cleric ticked it off for a purported statement by its spokesperson opposing the alcohol ban. Religious leaders, traders, and social activists have all rallied in support of the ban.
Liquor vends
Amid such chorus, it won’t be out of place to ask what necessitated this demand, the significance of its timing, and the efficacy, if any, of the proposal if at all it comes to fruition. No doubt, Kashmir is not too open a society and the consumption of liquor, even within the closed confines of one’s home, is not treated too kindly. That is, perhaps, why the liquor shops in the Valley have always been few and far between, and visitors to the city find it tough to locate one. The last five years did witness more vends coming up, particularly in the area around Dal; but most of these are almost hidden from public glare.
The existence of a bar in the fanciest of restaurants has been unheard of and the scenario is not much different even today. The best of hotels – leaving out a few five-stars in the city – have never served liquor to their clients as that is not part of the “Kashmiri culture”. The same situation prevails now. It is only the likes of a LaLit Grand or a Taj Vivanta which provide the luxury of a ‘drink’, but these places are the privilege of a select few. Overall, the Valley remains as ‘dry’ as it could be. In such a situation, the move by the three legislators is rather incomprehensible.
Lofty argument
Social concerns about alcohol abuse, religious beliefs, and promoting a healthy society are some common reasons that lead to alcohol ban in a state or a UT. The arguments proffered by the J&K legislators are also lofty and sound quite convincing, but the effectiveness of ‘dry’ states in the country has always been a matter of debate. While some argue it reduces alcohol-related problems, others point to the rise of illegal liquor markets, bootlegging, corruption and potential negative social consequences. The implementation of ban, however well-intentioned it may be, will prove to be a formidable challenge for the J&K administration.
Besides loss to the exchequer, the impact of the proposed liquor ban on tourism in Kashmir is another factor worth pondering over. Prevailing peace, better law and order situation and aggressive promotional campaigns have led to record tourist arrivals in Kashmir, say various media reports. An increase in foreign tourist arrivals speaks volumes about the Valley’s appeal as a global tourist destination. Apart from boosting local businesses and benefiting hospitality sector, the tourist surge has prompted the Government to identify land for establishing five-star hotels across all districts, as per published reports. A ban on the sale and consumption of liquor is bound to deter a large chunk of tourists.
Proponents of the liquor ban also need to consider the issue in its entirety, without overlooking the other half of the Union Territory. They must understand that the plains of Jammu are different – both culturally and demographically – from the Valley of Kashmir. The ban will benefit none of the two.
