Among the 33 Private Members’ Bills listed in J&K Assembly today, five aimed at imposing bans or strict restrictions on the sale, consumption, and related activities involving liquor in J&K. This is the first such surge in lawmakers’ demands pushing prohibition measures amidst rise in drug and alcohol abuse.The alcohol-related bills are listed under agenda serial numbers 26 to 30 and build on earlier private members’ initiatives. Among the Bills is one by legislator Ali Mohammad Sagar from ruling National Conference (JKNC) and seeks a complete ban on the sale and consumption of liquor in the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (L.A. Private Members’ Bill No. 31 of 2025).
Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad Pardesi (NC) has also sought prohibition on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages specifically in the Lal Chowk constituency through Private Members’ Bill No. 29 of 2025. Mir Mohammad Fayaz (PDP) has proposed a total ban on alcoholic drinks, including prohibitions on advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture in the Union Territory via Private Members’ Bill No. 26 of 2025. Similarly, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad called for a complete ban on the sale, consumption, storage, and transportation of liquor in the Kashmir Valley, citing its “social, religious, and security sensitivities” .
BJP MLA Pawan Gupta also has his bill seeking amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act listed for today.
These five liquor prohibition bills are the highlight of the 33-bill list being taken up in the Assembly.
The demands come amid ongoing debates on J&K’s liquor policy that currently allows regulated sales in certain areas. There has been a long-standing demand for tighter controls or outright bans in the Valley due to cultural and social factors.
Experts note that the clustering of multiple prohibition bills on a single day reflects the cross-party interest in revisiting alcohol regulations. The House is expected to deliberate on granting leave for introduction, after which the bills could advance to discussion. This may be followed by referral to committees, or further stages in the session.
