Jammu, January 16, 2023 (PPI-OT):People’s Forum has called upon the Modi regime to close wine shops in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir as the practice is seen by locals as a conspiracy to spoil the morality of the Kashmiri youth. Addressing a press conference, chairman of People’s Forum Sheikh Sarwar, General Secretary Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan and Secretary Amit Koul lashed out at the administration for opening liquor shops at public places, especially in busy areas of Srinagar.

Sheikh Sarwar said that the opening of liquor shops in Srinagar outskirts of Pantha Chowk and Boulevard Road locality has led to outrage in the valley and locals are demanding closure of these wine shops. He termed opening of the wine shops as mischievous and an act that will hurt the sentiments of the people, majority of whom are Muslims. Arguing for closing of the wine shops, Sarwar said there are schools and religious places near the shops that can hurt the sentiments of the people living in the vicinity as Kashmir is a Muslim society and opening of wine shops at public places can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.

He said since March 2021, there have been many protests against opening of liquor shops including in Jammu as the act pushes youth towards alcoholism. “I am deeply concerned by the Modi regime’s decision to open wine shops throughout Kashmir, something, I believe, will affect Kashmir youth,” Sarwar said, adding, in the garb of tourism, the regime is pushing youth towards liquor. “If the decision is not rolled back, People’s Forum will intensify the protest against the move,” Sarwar added.

For more information, contact:
Kashmir Media Service
Phone: +92-51-4435548, +92-51-4435549
Fax: +92-51-4861736
Email: info@kmsnews.org
Website: www.kmsnews.org