Srinagar, July 17 (KNO): Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday opposed the reported proposal to relocate liquor shops from the National Highway to residential areas in Pantha Chowk, saying the move hurts the religious and social sentiments of the people and warning that Kashmiris will not accept the promotion of alcohol in the Valley.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, while addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, strongly condemned the reported move to relocate liquor shops from the National Highway to residential areas in and around Pantha Chowk in view of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
The spokesperson said Mirwaiz informed the congregation that a delegation from the area had met him and conveyed grave concern and anguish over the proposed relocation. He said the densely populated localities are home to families, schools, masjids, educational and religious institutions, and public spaces.
“Relocating liquor shops into their vicinity will badly affect the social and moral fabric of the area, which is completely unacceptable to the people,” Mirwaiz said, adding that the decision was deeply disturbing and unacceptable. “Islam unequivocally prohibits alcohol and commands believers to stay away from it.”
The spokesperson said Mirwaiz stated that in the Muslim-majority region of Jammu and Kashmir, the government, instead of taking steps to restrict the availability and consumption of alcohol, is bringing liquor outlets closer to people’s homes in complete disregard of the religious character and moral sensitivities of society.
He said the people of Kashmir will not accept the promotion and normalisation of alcohol in their society. “We have raised our voice against the spread of liquor in Kashmir in the past, and we will continue to do so. Alcohol destroys individuals, breaks families, harms the youth and weakens the moral and social fabric of society,” he said.
Questioning the government’s reasoning, Mirwaiz said, “If, due to the religious sanctity of the Amarnath Yatra, liquor outlets are considered inappropriate on the pilgrimage route taken by yatris, how is it considered appropriate to relocate them into residential areas where families, whose religion strictly prohibits alcohol consumption live with their children? If liquor is inappropriate and harmful in both religions, why not ban it altogether instead? Respect for religious sentiments should not be selective or time-bound.”
The spokesperson said Mirwaiz was informed that residents of the affected areas in Pantha Chowk have decided to protest against the proposed relocation, and he extended his full solidarity and support to them.
“A society that does not defend its values risks gradually losing them. People cannot remain silent when decisions are imposed that directly affect their homes, their children and the moral environment in which future generations are being raised,” he said.
Mirwaiz urged the government to immediately withdraw the proposal and ensure that no liquor shop is opened or relocated near residential neighbourhoods, schools, masjids or other public institutions. He also urged the authorities to listen to the people rather than enforce decisions that violate the religious ethos and shared value system of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.—(KNO)