2 min readSrinagarMay 15, 2026 07:18 PM ISTWhile liquor sales and consumption were never formally banned in Kashmir, public drinking has long remained a taboo and is also restricted by law. (File Photo)The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP on Friday led a protest at Srinagar’s Gupkar Road, leading up to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence, seeking a ban on the sale of alcohol in Kashmir.Although there has been a growing chorus in the Valley demanding a complete ban on alcohol, the BJP has made common cause on this issue for the first time since the National Conference government took charge in 2024. However, the BJP’s demand to ban the sale of alcohol is limited to the Valley, not Jammu. In 2018, then BJP state unit chief Ravinder Raina had also sought a ban on liquor sale in the Union Territory.BJP media in-charge Sajid Yousuf Shah said, “The party is demanding an immediate ban on liquor sales in Kashmir, emphasising that the issue is closely tied to the Valley’s social and religious values. The people of Kashmir have consistently opposed liquor sales, and the government must respect public sentiment by closing wine shops across the region.”He added that tourists come to Kashmir for its natural beauty, culture and hospitality, not for alcohol consumption.National Conference’s rival, the PDP, has long been seeking a ban on alcohol in J&K. This was also recently amplified by Kashmir’s head cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who stated that when states like Bihar and Gujarat can enforce a ban on alcohol, it should not be difficult in a Muslim-majority state.The Omar Abdullah government has linked the consumption of alcohol to freedom of choice. Last Sunday, the chief minister stated that his government has not opened any new liquor vends and the existing ones have been in place since before the elected government took helm.Private members’ bills seeking a ban on alcohol have also been introduced in the J&K assembly, but none have been passed. The discourse around the issue generally loses impetus when economic considerations come to the fore.Story continues below this adAlso, while liquor sales and consumption were never formally banned in Kashmir, public drinking has long remained a taboo and is also restricted by law.Naveed Iqbal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, and reports from Jammu and Kashmir. With a career spanning over 15 years in frontline journalism, Naveed provides authoritative reporting on the region’s transition, governance, and the socio-political implications of national policies. Expertise Regional Specialization: Based in the Srinagar and New Delhi bureaus, Naveed has spent over a decade documenting the unique challenges of Jammu and Kashmir. Her reporting is distinguished by deep contextual knowledge of the region's post-Article 370, statehood debates, and local electoral politics. Key Coverage Beats: Her extensive body of work covers: Politics & Governance: Tracking the National Conference (NC), PDP, and BJP dynamics, including in-depth coverage of J&K’s first Assembly sessions and Rajya Sabha polls following the reorganization of the state. Internal Security & Justice: Providing rigorous reporting on counter-insurgency operations, terror module investigations, and judicial developments involving political detainees and constitutional rights. Education & Minority Affairs: Highlighting systemic issues such as quota rows in J&K, public service commission reforms, and the challenges faced by minority communities. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...AdvertisementLive BlogIran US War News LIVE Updates: Trump says he rejected Iran peace proposal ‘after reading first sentence’12 minutes agoKerala SSLC 10th Result 2026, sslcexam.kerala.gov.in LIVE Updates: Result out at prd.kerala.gov.in; 99.07% pass16 minutes agoJustice Swarana Kanta Sharma won’t hear excise case, to continue with contempt action against Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, others5 hours agoTrump-Xi Summit LIVE: Beijing being ‘very pragmatic’ on Iran, says top US official, as Trump and Xi meet for final day of summit7 hours agoHBSE 10th Result 2026, bseh.org.in Highlights: Scorecards out at bseh.org.in, check list of toppers8 hours ago