Overview
- BJP leaders in Srinagar, who mounted a march toward Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s home on Friday to demand a liquor ban, were stopped by police and several were detained, including Altaf Thakur, Sajid Yousuf Shah and Sahil Bhat.
- Party leaders warned they would physically shut liquor shops if the government did not act and said protests would spread across the Valley, a stance that places the BJP alongside influential clergy who have long opposed alcohol sales.
- Omar Abdullah said a blanket ban was not practical, argued regulated sale is better than driving liquor underground and stressed the government had not opened new outlets or expanded access.
- The NC highlighted that earlier policies enabled current retail patterns, while official data show liquor brought in over ₹3,450 crore in three years, with Jammu holding most outlets and Srinagar reporting ₹76.32 crore in sales in 2024–25.
- The Times of India reported an NC spokesperson said alcohol will be banned and hinted the Assembly could take it up next session, yet no legal prohibition has been enacted and the administration’s stated policy still favors regulation.