Anzalna Arsh
As a student activist, it pains me to witness the deterioration of our society, particularly in the beautiful valley of Kashmir. Recently, the proliferation of wine shops has raised serious concerns about the impact these establishments have on our communities. The introduction of these shops is not only facilitating alcohol consumption but also encouraging a deep-rooted societal crisis. The future of our youth is at stake, and if urgent steps are not taken, we might see the total breakdown of our culture and values.
In Kashmir, we traditionally hold our elders in high regard. We teach our children to look up to them, to learn from their wisdom and guidance. But what kind of example are we setting if those very elders are seen drinking openly in public spaces? Children naturally emulate the behavior of those they admire, and when alcohol becomes normalized, it is inevitable that the younger generation will adopt these habits.
Imagine a society where both the young and the old are consumed by such vices—what remains of our values then? The impact of alcohol is not just personal but societal. If our children and elders are both lost to these influences, our entire community risks losing its moral compass. We will be left without the foundation of deen (faith) and dunya (worldly values), caught in the throes of addiction and self-destruction. This is why I, as a student activist, strongly advocate for the closure of wine shops in Kashmir. We must protect our society, and more importantly, our future generations from the destructive path that alcohol consumption leads to.
It’s important to remember that the issue of substance abuse, particularly in the form of drugs like weed, ganja, and other intoxicants, has already plagued our region. The introduction of wine shops has only worsened this crisis, adding another layer to the already growing problem of addiction among the youth. What began as an occasional vice has now become a pervasive menace, threatening the social fabric of our communities.
Public opinion strongly supports the closure of these establishments. Kulsum, a local teacher, voiced her concerns, stating, “These wine shops are a bad influence on our children. They see their elders drinking and think it’s normal. We need to set a better example.”
Another resident, an elderly man from Srinagar, shares his thoughts: “If they have to drink, at least they should do it away from the public eye. This open display of behavior is ruining our children and society at large.” Many share this sentiment, worried about the influence it has on the youth, particularly in a conservative society like Kashmir where family values and respect for elders are paramount.
The time to act is now. If we allow the unchecked spread of wine shops, we are effectively allowing the slow erosion of our values and community structure. Both individuals and institutions must push for stronger regulations and reforms that will close these establishments and encourage a healthier, more morally grounded society.
This is not just a call for government intervention but also a plea for every member of the community to rise against this threat. We must hold ourselves and our leaders accountable for allowing such influences to permeate our lives. By standing together, we can foster a society that upholds the values of decency, responsibility, and moral strength for the generations to come.
Anzalna Arsh is a student activist and can be reached at anzalnaaarsh@gmail.com, the views presented in the column are the writer’s own.
