• Bill Seeking Ban on Alcohol in J&K to be Introduced in Assembly
  • PDP MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, has submitted a Private Member’s Bill seeking a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The bill, set to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the J&K Assembly, proposes prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
  • Mir warned that the rising alcohol consumption poses a serious threat to society, stressing the need for strict legislation to curb the trend. The bill also proposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations.
JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra visits families affected by Pakistani shelling in Surankote, urges martyr status and full compensation for victims, and calls for a border safety policy.

JKPCC Chief Tariq Hameed Karra Visits Shelling-Hit Surankote, Demands Martyr Status for Victims

Published on May 12, 2025

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Surankote, May 12, 2025 — In the aftermath of the recent cross-border shelling by Pakistan, Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra visited the heavily affected areas of Surankote, Poonch district, to express solidarity with the grieving families and assess the damage.

Karra, accompanied by AICC Secretary and DDC Member Shahnawaz Choudhary along with several local Congress leaders including Mir Iqbal, Ajaz Choudhary, Madasar Choudhary, Sakander Norani, Sheraz Bajar, Waheed Hussain Shah, and Mohd Rashid, toured the worst-hit localities — Ward Nos. 5, 10, 12, and 13 — to interact with victims and extend moral and political support.

Visit to Grieving Family: Twin Children Killed in Shelling

The visit was marked by an emotional stop at the residence of Smt. Ursha Khan, who tragically lost her twin children in the shelling. Karra led the delegation in offering Fateha prayers and conveyed heartfelt condolences. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of her husband, who is currently under medical treatment for critical injuries sustained in the same attack.

“Declare Victims as Martyrs”: Karra’s Strong Appeal

Karra strongly condemned the repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan, calling them a persistent threat to civilian life and property in border areas. He criticized the lack of preparedness and protection infrastructure for civilians living along the Line of Control (LoC) and demanded urgent intervention from both the Central and Union Territory governments.

“These innocent lives lost are not just victims — they are martyrs of national integrity and should be honored accordingly,” Karra asserted.

He urged the government to:

  • Declare the deceased civilians as martyrs.

  • Accord full state honors and benefits to their families.

  • Immediately disburse ex-gratia compensation.

  • Implement a comprehensive border civilian safety policy, given the recurring “war-like” conditions.

Karra emphasized that political leadership must rise beyond partisanship to safeguard the lives of border residents who live under constant fear and risk due to hostile neighbor provocations.

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  • Bill Seeking Ban on Alcohol in J&K to be Introduced in Assembly
  • PDP MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, has submitted a Private Member’s Bill seeking a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The bill, set to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the J&K Assembly, proposes prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
  • Mir warned that the rising alcohol consumption poses a serious threat to society, stressing the need for strict legislation to curb the trend. The bill also proposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations.