Overview

• Traders in Srinagar’s Batamaloo area began a three-day shutdown on July 4 to protest the opening of a liquor outlet under the 2025-26 excise policy.
• Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the move as an assault on Islamic and cultural values and warned of mass demonstrations if the licence is not revoked.
• Excise officials confirmed the shop was relocated from another locality rather than newly licensed and have temporarily closed it pending further orders.
• The Jammu and Kashmir government has so far declined to formally reverse its e-auction licensing decision despite mounting pressure from religious leaders and civil society.
• Opponents are now calling for Jammu and Kashmir to be declared a dry state, reigniting debates over alcohol’s impact on public health and local traditions.