Liquor Sale, Consumption Banned Within 500 Meters of this Shrine in Jammu Kashmir

The Kishtwar administration has prohibited the sale, possession and consumption of liquor within a 500-metre radius of the Shree Sarthal Devi Mata Shrine in the Sarthal area of the district, with the order taking immediate effect..

Kishtwar District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma issued the order on September 28 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

The order cites the religious, cultural and spiritual significance of the shrine as well as the need to preserve its sanctity and maintain peace and public order in the surrounding area.

The restriction covers all types of liquor and applies to wine shop owners, vendors, dhaba operators, hotel and restaurant operators, licence holders and members of the general public.

The prohibition will remain in force for two months from September 28, unless it is withdrawn, modified or extended before the expiry of the period.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, the Excise and Taxation Officer and the concerned Tehsildar have been directed to ensure implementation of the order.

The administration has warned that anyone violating the order may face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, besides any other applicable provisions of law.