Srinagar: The controversial decision by Indian authorities to open liquor shops in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has sparked widespread condemnation from various segments of Kashmiri society, including leaders, traders, and civil society groups. The move has been criticized as a violation of Islamic values and local traditions in the predominantly Muslim region.

According to Radio Pakistan, senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq warned of strong public protests if the liquor outlets are established in the territory. He described the step as a deliberate attempt to corrupt future generations and undermine the socio-religious fabric of Kashmiri society.

Traders in Srinagar’s Batamaloo area have announced a three-day shutdown to protest against the proposed liquor outlets. They have labeled the move as unacceptable and have urged authorities to withdraw the decision immediately.

In a related development, human rights experts at a sideline event of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva expressed serious concerns about widespread abuses in both Kashmir and Gaza. The seminar, organized by the World Muslim Congress and the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, emphasized the need for international accountability and immediate intervention. Among the speakers were Dr. Joseph Wronka, Mary Scully, and Barrister Tanvir Hashem Munim, who highlighted issues such as extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, property seizures, and the denial of civil liberties in IIOJK.

Meanwhile, speakers at a gathering in Washington stated that Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute. Addressing the gathering were Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK President Fahim Kayani and Chairman of the World Forum for Peace and Justice Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai. They called on the global diaspora to launch diplomatic campaigns across world capitals to challenge India’s portrayal of normalcy in the occupied territory.