National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday said his party is set to introduce key legislative proposals in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session, including a private member’s bill seeking a complete ban on alcohol and tobacco in the Union Territory.
Speaking to a news agency, National Conference chief spokesperson revealed plans to move the Land Grant Act 2025, aimed at restoring land rights to economically weaker sections, alleging that a 2022 amendment had 'taken away land from the poor'.
"On a personal level, I strongly believe alcohol should be banned. A similar bill was brought during the PDP regime, but the then finance minister blocked it. Had it been done back then, we wouldn’t be struggling today,” Sadiq said.
Reacting to the ongoing war in the Middle East, MLA Zadibal warned of its direct impact on India’s common man, particularly through rising LPG and petrol prices. He praised Iran for 'standing up despite limited resources' and urged New Delhi to leverage its diplomatic ties with both sides to broker peace. “If India plays a role in ending this war, it will be a huge achievement,” he added.
Pertinently, as of March 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ruled out making the Union Territory a 'dry' state, despite political pressure and Private Members' Bills to ban alcohol sales. While the PDP is running a signature campaign to ban liquor, the government projects over ₹2,000 crore in excise revenue, leading to tightened regulations rather than a ban.
Excise revenue from liquor is growing, projected at ₹2,000 crore in 2024-25, and there is no plan to turn the UT into a 'dry state'. The new excise policy for 2025-2026 increases fees (including a 50 per cent increase for rooftop/terrace service), aiming to control, not ban, alcohol availability. Consumption and sales are prohibited in specific areas, such as near the Vaishno Devi temple.
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