Arguments About Alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir

May 16, 2026, 21:42
AsiaPolitics
A2

Arguments About Alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir

Introduction

Political groups in Jammu and Kashmir disagree about alcohol. Some people want to stop the sale of alcohol completely.

Main Body

The BJP and PDP parties want to close alcohol shops. They want no alcohol near schools or temples. The police stopped a BJP march recently. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah first said people have the right to choose. But now his party says they might stop alcohol soon. Alcohol shops make a lot of money for the government. They made 3,450 crore rupees in three years. Farooq Abdullah says the government can stop alcohol if the central government gives them money instead. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha started a plan to stop drugs for 100 days. He wants to help young people stay healthy.

Conclusion

The government must choose between the law and the money from alcohol.

Learning

πŸ’‘ THE 'WANT' PATTERN

In this text, we see a very useful way to talk about desires and goals using the word want. This is a key building block for A2 English.

How it works: Person/Group β†’\rightarrow want to β†’\rightarrow Action

Examples from the text:

  • Some people β†’\rightarrow want to stop the sale...
  • The BJP and PDP parties β†’\rightarrow want to close alcohol shops.
  • He β†’\rightarrow wants to help young people.

πŸ”‘ QUICK TIPS

  1. The 'S' Rule:

    • If it is one person (He/She), add an 's': He wants to help.
    • If it is many people (They/People), no 's': People want to stop.

  2. The 'To' Bridge:

    • Always put to between want and the next action verb.
    • Correct: I want to learn.
    • Wrong: I want learn.

πŸ› οΈ WORD BANK

  • Close: To shut a shop β†’\rightarrow Close the door.
  • Stop: To make something end β†’\rightarrow Stop the car.
  • Help: To make things easier for someone β†’\rightarrow Help the student.

Vocabulary Learning

alcohol (n.)
a drink that can make people feel different, like happy or drunk
Example:Many people in the town do not want to drink alcohol.
police (n.)
a group of people who help keep safety and follow rules
Example:The police stopped the march.
school (n.)
a place where children learn
Example:The shops are not allowed near schools.
temple (n.)
a place where people pray
Example:The shops are not allowed near temples.
government (n.)
the people who make rules for a country
Example:The government made a lot of money from alcohol.
money (n.)
a thing people use to buy things
Example:The government used the money to help people.
choose (v.)
to decide what you want
Example:People have the right to choose.
stop (v.)
to end or finish something
Example:The party may stop alcohol soon.
sale (n.)
the act of selling something
Example:The sale of alcohol is being discussed.
shops (n.)
places where people sell things
Example:Alcohol shops make a lot of money.
people (n.)
many individuals
Example:People want to stop the sale.
party (n.)
a group of people with the same ideas
Example:The BJP and PDP parties want to close shops.
law (n.)
rules that everyone must follow
Example:The government must choose between the law and money.
health (n.)
being free from sickness
Example:He wants to help people stay healthy.
young (adj.)
not old, still growing
Example:The plan helps young people stay healthy.
days (n.)
time units of 24 hours
Example:The plan will last 100 days.
plan (n.)
an idea to do something
Example:He started a plan to stop drugs.
central (adj.)
in the middle, important
Example:The central government can give money.
drug (n.)
a substance that can be harmful
Example:The plan is to stop drugs.
governor (n.)
a person who leads a region
Example:The lieutenant governor started the plan.
B2

Political Disagreements Over Alcohol Ban in Jammu and Kashmir

Introduction

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are currently arguing about whether alcohol sales should be legal or if a total ban should be put in place.

Main Body

There is a clear difference in opinion between the ruling National Conference (NC) and opposition parties, such as the BJP and PDP. Recently, the BJP organized a protest to demand the closure of liquor stores, especially those near schools and religious sites, although police stopped the march. While Chief Minister Omar Abdullah first argued that individual freedom is more important, the government's position seems to be changing. NC spokesman Tanvir Sadiq emphasized that the government would likely implement a ban soon. However, the NC points out that many liquor stores opened because of policies from 2017 and 2022, which were created when the BJP and PDP were in power. Furthermore, the government faces a financial challenge because liquor sales earned about β‚Ή3,450 crore over the last three years. Consequently, NC president Farooq Abdullah stated that a ban is only possible if the central government provides money to cover this loss. This debate is happening at the same time as a 100-day anti-drug campaign started by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to protect young people.

Conclusion

The government must now decide between the social pressure to ban alcohol and the need for the money that liquor taxes provide.

Learning

πŸŒ‰ The 'Logic-Link' Leap

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple sentences like "It is raining. I will stay home." and start using Connectors of Result and Contrast. These words act as bridges that show how two ideas relate to each other.

⚑ The 'Cause & Effect' Engine

In the text, we see: *"Consequently, NC president Farooq Abdullah stated..."

The B2 Secret: Instead of using 'so' (which is very A2), use Consequently or Therefore.

  • A2 Style: The stores make money, so the government is worried.
  • B2 Style: The stores generate significant revenue; consequently, the government is hesitant to close them.

βš–οΈ The 'Balance' Scale

Look at how the author handles opposing ideas:

  1. While (Comparison): "While Chief Minister Omar Abdullah first argued... the government's position seems to be changing."
  2. However (The Pivot): *"However, the NC points out that..."

Pro Tip: Use 'While' at the start of a sentence to show two things happening at once or two different opinions. Use 'However' to completely change the direction of your argument.

πŸ› οΈ Quick Upgrade Map

A2 Word (Simple)B2 Bridge (Advanced)Effect on your English
ButHoweverSounds more professional
SoConsequentlyShows a logical result
AndFurthermoreAdds extra weight to your point
AlthoughWhileCreates a sophisticated contrast

Vocabulary Learning

disagreement
a difference of opinion or conflict between people or groups
Example:The disagreement over the new policy lasted for weeks.
ban
a prohibition or restriction on something
Example:The city council decided to impose a ban on smoking in public parks.
ruling
an official decision or statement made by an authority
Example:The ruling of the court was clear and final.
opposition
the group or people who oppose a policy or decision
Example:The opposition parties organized a rally to protest the new law.
protest
to express objection or dissent, often publicly
Example:Thousands of students went to protest against the budget cuts.
demand
to ask forcefully for something that is needed or wanted
Example:The workers demanded better wages and working conditions.
closure
the act of closing or the state of being closed
Example:The sudden closure of the factory shocked the local community.
freedom
the power or right to act or think without restriction
Example:Freedom of speech is protected by the constitution.
position
a particular stance or viewpoint on an issue
Example:Her position on climate change is that immediate action is necessary.
implement
to put into effect or carry out a plan or policy
Example:The government plans to implement new environmental regulations.
financial
relating to money, banking, or economics
Example:The company faced financial difficulties after the recession.
challenge
a difficult task or problem that requires effort
Example:Climbing Mount Everest is a great challenge for any mountaineer.
earned
to receive or obtain something as a result of effort or work
Example:She earned a promotion after years of dedication.
possible
capable of being done or achieved
Example:It is possible to reduce traffic by improving public transport.
central
located at the center or most important part of something
Example:The central government will oversee the new initiative.
cover
to provide financial or other support for something
Example:The insurance policy will cover any accidental damage.
debate
a discussion where people present opposing views
Example:The debate on healthcare reforms was intense.
campaign
an organized series of actions to achieve a specific goal
Example:The anti-drug campaign aimed to educate students about the risks.
lieutenant
a rank in law enforcement or the military, often second in command
Example:The lieutenant directed the police squad during the operation.
protect
to keep safe from harm or danger
Example:The new law will protect children from online predators.
pressure
the influence or force applied to bring about a change
Example:The pressure from the public forced the company to change its policy.
taxes
compulsory contributions to government revenue
Example:Taxes help fund public services and infrastructure.
C2

Political Divergence and Policy Deliberations Regarding Alcohol Prohibition in Jammu and Kashmir.

Introduction

Political factions in Jammu and Kashmir are currently engaged in a dispute concerning the legality of alcohol sales and the potential implementation of a total prohibition.

Main Body

The current political climate is characterized by a strategic divergence between the governing National Conference (NC) and opposition entities, specifically the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The BJP recently initiated a demonstration, which was subsequently intercepted by law enforcement, to demand the closure of liquor outlets, particularly those situated near educational and religious institutions. This movement aligns with the PDP's long-standing advocacy for prohibition. Conversely, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah initially resisted these demands, citing the primacy of individual liberties. However, a shift in the NC's institutional positioning was indicated by chief spokesman Tanvir Sadiq, who asserted that the government would soon implement a ban. Historical antecedents complicate the current discourse. The NC has attributed the proliferation of liquor outlets to the 2017 Excise Policy and 2022 regulatory changes, noting that these occurred during a period of governor's rule or under a BJP-PDP coalition. This suggests a perceived inconsistency in the opposition's current moral imperatives. Furthermore, the economic implications of prohibition are significant; legislative data indicates that liquor sales generated approximately β‚Ή3,450 crore in revenue over the preceding three financial years. Consequently, NC president Farooq Abdullah postulated a hypothetical conditional wherein prohibition would be feasible provided the central government offered financial compensation to offset the revenue loss. This policy debate coincides with a 100-day anti-drug initiative launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, further intensifying the political pressure to address substance abuse among the youth.

Conclusion

The administration is now weighing the socio-political pressure for prohibition against the economic necessity of excise revenue.

Learning

The Architecture of 'Institutional Hedging' & Nominalization

To bridge the gap from B2 to C2, a student must move beyond describing actions to conceptualizing states. The provided text is a masterclass in Nominalizationβ€”the transformation of verbs and adjectives into nouns to create a formal, detached, and authoritative academic tone.

1. The Pivot from Agency to Abstraction

Observe the shift in the text's DNA. A B2 writer says: "The parties disagree on whether alcohol should be banned."

The C2 text transforms this into: "Political Divergence and Policy Deliberations..."*

By turning the verb diverge into the noun divergence and deliberate into deliberations, the writer removes the 'human' element and elevates the discourse to a systemic level. This is essential for C2-level reporting, where the focus is on the phenomenon rather than the person.

2. Precision via High-Register Collocations

C2 mastery requires the use of 'heavyweight' nouns paired with precise modifiers. Analyze these pairings from the text:

  • Strategic divergence β†’\rightarrow Not just a difference, but a calculated, political split.
  • Historical antecedents β†’\rightarrow Not just "past events," but the specific precursors that inform the present.
  • Moral imperatives β†’\rightarrow Not just "beliefs," but obligations deemed absolutely necessary.
  • Institutional positioning β†’\rightarrow Not just "what the party thinks," but the official stance of the organization.

3. The 'Hypothetical Conditional' Framework

Note the phrasing: "...postulated a hypothetical conditional wherein prohibition would be feasible provided..."

Instead of saying "He said they could ban it if...", the author employs a complex linguistic structure.

  • Postulated: To suggest a theory as a basis for reasoning.
  • Wherein: A formal relative adverb replacing "in which."
  • Provided: A sophisticated conditional conjunction used instead of "if."

Pro Tip for C2 Transition: To emulate this, stop using simple subject-verb-object sentences for complex ideas. Instead, create a 'noun-heavy' framework (The divergence of entities led to a positioning of imperatives) and then qualify it with precise, academic adjectives.

Vocabulary Learning

primacy
The state or condition of being first in importance or rank.
Example:The primacy of individual liberties was cited by the chief minister.
proliferation
A rapid increase in number or quantity.
Example:The proliferation of liquor outlets has alarmed health officials.
regulatory
Relating to rules or laws that control behavior.
Example:The government introduced new regulatory measures to curb alcohol consumption.
perceived
Seen or understood in a particular way.
Example:The perceived inconsistency in the party's stance caused confusion.
imperatives
Things that are essential or urgent.
Example:The moral imperatives of public health outweighed profit motives.
hypothetical
Based on or serving as a hypothesis.
Example:A hypothetical scenario was proposed to test the feasibility of prohibition.
conditional
Dependent on certain conditions.
Example:The agreement was conditional on the provision of financial aid.
offset
To counterbalance or compensate for.
Example:The government offered subsidies to offset the revenue loss.
intensifying
Becoming stronger or more intense.
Example:The campaign is intensifying public pressure for reform.
socio-political
Relating to society and politics.
Example:Socio-political pressures drove the policy change.
necessity
The state of being required or essential.
Example:The necessity of maintaining revenue was a key concern.
legislative
Relating to laws or the process of making laws.
Example:Legislative data showed a decline in alcohol sales.