Amid official tepidity and absurdity of continuing violence, Kashmiris grab the nearest bottle … or is it the case of too much leisure time and too little to do?
Valley all set to Drown in Liquor
Jammu: Brushing aside allegations of discrimination and disparity between various regions of the state, the Valley people have restored parity by increasing consumption of liquor by thirty percent during the current financial year.
If the trend continues unabated, Valley seems all set to drown itself in liquor. The Ladakhies may not like it but the Valley is fast leaving them behind as far as consumption of liquor is concerned.
According to data furnished by the finance minister, the consumption of liquor in the Valley has increased by 30 % during the current financial year. “Fifteen lakh and thirty three thousand bottles of liquor have been consumed in the Valley till date. Last year the Valley had consumed around eleven lakh bottles of elixir. This year the consumption has increased by four lakh bottles. On the contrary Ladakh sales have declined during the said period. Last year the Ladakhies consumed 23 lakh bottles. However, the sales went down this year considerably. They consumed 20.60 lakh bottles only. This means Ladakh has cut short its liquor consumption by 2. 40 lakh bottles”, a spokesman of the ministry said.
The liquor consumption has gradually increased in the Valley over the past few years. The Valley consumed 11.44 in 2007-08 and 11.48 bottles in 2008-09 respectively. This year 15.33 bottles have been sold till date.
Pertinent to mention, the militants imposed total ban on sale, purchase and consumption of liquor in 1989 when the armed struggle commenced. Liquor shops across Kashmir were ransacked and destroyed. People found in possession of liquor or under its influence were punished in full public view.
Surprisingly there are a few government outlets in the city of Srinagar. No private liquor shop could be opened across Kashmir till date.
(Early Times)