CM&#8217 S Alcohol Remarks Trigger Political Row In Kashmir

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- A fresh political controversy erupted in Kashmir on Monday after remarks by Omar Abdullah on liquor shops and alcohol consumption triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties and political allies alike.

The row intensified after criticism mounted over the Chief Minister's remarks allegedly defending continuation of liquor trade and his assertion that people belonging to religions permitting alcohol consumption should not face restrictions.

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Among the strongest reactions came from PDP leader Iltija Mufti, who accused Omar Abdullah of making an“expected U-turn” on the issue and ignoring the religious sensitivities of the majority community in the region.

Questioning the logic behind the Chief Minister's remarks, she said states like Gujarat and Bihar had successfully enforced prohibition despite being Hindu-majority states.

“JK CM's expected U-turn on the refusal to prohibit liquor shops lacks logic,” she wrote in a social media post.

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She further termed it“deeply unfortunate and insensitive” for the Chief Minister to dismiss the religious sentiments of the majority population.

The controversy erupted after Omar Abdullah clarified his earlier remarks on alcohol, saying they had been made in haste and without adequate explanation. He maintained that his government had neither opened new liquor shops nor planned to expand the trade.

“Our religion prohibits it. We don't want youth to fall prey to it,” Omar Abdullah said while accusing opposition parties of twisting his statement.

The issue also drew criticism from Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, who termed the Chief Minister's response“arrogant, unethical and illogical.”

He said the National Conference had promised during elections that liquor shops would be regulated and alcohol consumption restricted for locals.

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“Instead of assuring people that action will be taken, people were scolded and labelled. This is not what people voted for,” he said.

Ruhullah also accused the Chief Minister of using language that reflected“tagging and stereotyping” of Kashmiris.

As the controversy widened, National Conference chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq defended the party's stand and countered the criticism from the PDP.

Referring to remarks made by former PDP Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu during the PDP-led government, Sadiq said those demanding a ban today had themselves opposed prohibition earlier.

“Those speaking about a liquor ban today are the same people whose Finance Minister had categorically stated in the Assembly that alcohol would not be banned,” he said.

Sadiq reiterated that the National Conference opposed alcohol consumption and did not encourage it in any form.

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