Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Slams Liquor Shop Proposal in Kashmir’s Batamaloo: Why Not in Gujarat?
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 04 July 2025
A Brewing Controversy: Liquor Shop Proposal in Srinagar’s Batamaloo Sparks Outrage
The proposal to open a liquor shop in Batamaloo, a densely populated and culturally sensitive locality in Srinagar, has ignited sharp criticism across Kashmir. Leading the opposition is Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of the Jama Masjid and Chairman of the Hurriyat Conference (Moderate faction).
In a strongly worded statement, Mirwaiz condemned the plan as an affront to Kashmir’s Islamic identity, raising serious questions about the administration’s motives and priorities.
Mirwaiz’s Challenge: “Why Not in Dry State Gujarat?”
The central thrust of Mirwaiz’s argument is regional discrimination and selective moral standards. He questioned why such initiatives are being pushed in Muslim-majority Kashmir while Gujarat, the Prime Minister’s home state, remains a legally dry state.
“Why is a liquor shop being opened in Batamaloo? Why not in Gujarat, where alcohol is banned? Is this not hypocrisy?”
His comments have resonated widely among the Kashmiri public, particularly given the region’s strong religious sensibilities and history of prohibitionist sentiment.
Cultural and Religious Backlash
Mirwaiz emphasized that opening a liquor shop in Batamaloo, or anywhere in the Valley, violates the core cultural and religious fabric of Kashmiri society:
- Islam forbids alcohol
- Batamaloo is home to many mosques and religious schools
- Families fear the corruptive influence of easily available alcohol
The timing of the proposal has further angered locals, coming amid growing concerns over drug abuse and moral decline among the youth.
Political Undertones and Public Sentiment
This controversy is not just about religion; it’s also about governance, local autonomy, and cultural identity. With the Union Territory administration directly governing Kashmir, many locals see this move as an imposition, devoid of community consultation.
Opposition parties, civil society groups, and clerics across the ideological spectrum have voiced their support for Mirwaiz’s stand, calling the plan tone-deaf and provocative.
Calls for Withdrawal and Protest Plans
Following the outcry, local residents in Batamaloo have started mobilizing:
- Peaceful protests and signature campaigns are underway
- Petitions are being sent to the District Magistrate and Excise Department
- Social media campaigns with hashtags like #NoLiquorInBatamaloo are trending
Mirwaiz has also hinted at a larger public agitation if the plan isn’t shelved immediately.
A Deeper Debate: Whose Morality, Whose Decision?
The Batamaloo liquor shop issue touches a larger national nerve: How should governments balance religious sentiments with revenue goals? Is it right to impose such policies in conflict-prone, culturally distinct regions without public consent?
By invoking Gujarat’s dry status, Mirwaiz is challenging double standards in governance. If Gujarat can retain a prohibition policy based on cultural logic, why can’t Kashmir enjoy the same respect for its Islamic ethos?
Looking Ahead: Administrative Response and Next Steps
As protests grow, the ball is now in the court of the J&K Excise Department and UT administration. A few likely scenarios include:
- Suspension of the proposal amid public backlash
- Formation of a local consultative committee
- Escalation into a broader movement for cultural preservation
Whatever the outcome, this controversy has revived the debate about local values, regional identity, and the right to self-governance.
