Scores of local BJP leaders and activists on Friday (May 15, 2026) marched towards the residence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, demanding a complete ban on the sale of liquor in the Union Territory (UT). The police detained several BJP leaders to foil the march.

The protesters gathered on Srinagar’s Gupkar Road, which houses the residences of several senior politicians, including Mr. Abdullah. Carrying banners and placards, the protesters opposed the operation of wine shops in the Kashmir Valley.

“We are protesting against the sale of liquor. We believe there has to be a liquor-free campaign in tune with the drug-free drive in J&K. Unfortunately, CM Abdullah is justifying the sale of liquor by saying those who want to drink should do so. We condemn his statement,” said BJP spokesman Sajid Yousuf Shah.

“Besides terrorism, alcohol and drugs are also killing local youth. It should be banned,” said another BJP leader.

The police foiled the march and detained several BJP leaders, including Altaf Thakur, Sahil Bhat and Sajid Yousuf Shah, Arif Raja and Anwar Khan. 

Reacting to the protest, a National Conference (NC) spokesman said, “One must ask which government was in power in J&K when the 2017 Excise Policy made municipal wards and tehsils the basis for identifying unreserved areas? And which government was in office in 2022 when liquor sales were permitted in grocery shops?”

Dismissing the protest, J&K Minister Satish Sharma said the BJP is in the Opposition and has to do this. “The BJP has been rejected for the next 60 months in J&K. Let them protest. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is taking J&K to new heights of development. We will continue on that path,” said Mr. Sharma.

According to J&K government figures, liquor sales generated over ₹3,450 crore in revenue for the Union Territory over the last three financial years. Official data suggested that Jammu district alone has more than 140 wine shops and 84 bars. In the Kashmir valley, Srinagar has seven wine shops and four bars, with liquor sales amounting to ₹76.32 crore in 2024–25.

In 2025, the J&K Excise Department approved new liquor outlets in ten districts of the Jammu division and four districts of the Kashmir division.