Strike announced in occupied Kashmir against opening of liquor shops

SRINAGAR: A three-day strike has been announced in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in protest against the opening of liquor shops in the region.

The decision by Indian authorities to allow alcohol sales in the Muslim-majority territory has sparked widespread outrage among the local population.

According to Kashmir Media Service, residents have strongly condemned the move, calling it a blatant disregard for the region’s Islamic traditions and values. Many see the establishment of liquor stores as a direct assault on the religious and cultural identity of the Kashmiri people.

Local communities argued that promoting alcohol consumption in a predominantly Muslim area was an attempt to erode moral and ethical values. They believed this policy was part of a larger agenda to dilute the Islamic character of the region.

Senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has expressed deep concern over the development. He stated that the promotion of alcohol consumption in Jammu and Kashmir is not only offensive to the beliefs of Kashmiri Muslims but also a cultural invasion.

In response, traders in Srinagar have called for a three-day shutdown to protest the opening of liquor outlets. They stated that the decision is completely unacceptable to the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The strike is expected to see widespread participation, with businesses, transport services, and other daily activities likely to remain suspended in various parts of the region.