Atiya Mujeeb
SRINAGAR, May 11: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has clarified the government’s stance on liquor shops, saying that such establishments are meant only for people whose religious beliefs permit alcohol consumption and are not intended to promote drinking in the Union Territory.
Speaking on the issue, the Chief Minister said that no government in Jammu and Kashmir has ever imposed a complete ban on wine shops. He stressed that allowing such establishments does not mean the administration wants to encourage alcohol consumption, but rather that individuals whose faith permits it are free to make their own choices.
“Our religion does not allow us to consume alcohol, nor do we want people, especially the youth, to move towards this path,” Omar Abdullah said.
He added that the present administration has taken several precautionary measures, including not opening any new liquor shops and ensuring that existing outlets are not located in places where they could negatively influence young people.
The Chief Minister also accused political opponents of misrepresenting his remarks in an attempt to hide their own past failures.
