Srinagar: A political row has broken out in Jammu and Kashmir over a complete ban on liquor.
Chief minister Omar Abdullah, who is under pressure to impose such a ban, has said that it would be out of place as Hindus, unlike Muslims, are not forbidden by their religion to consume alcohol.
Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti, on Monday, called this illogical.
“J-K CM’s expected U-turn on the refusal to prohibit liquor shops lacks logic. He claims it is wrong to impose a ban on Hindus consuming alcohol since their religion does not forbid it. If this is the case, how have Hindu majority states like Gujarat and Bihar banned alcohol successfully with
out a whimper?” Iltija asked on X.
“We are proud of J-K’s secular credentials, but deeply unfortunate and insensitive for its chief minister to dismiss religious sensibilities of the majority with such indifference,” she added, as reported by PTI.
The question that arises is which model she wants the government to follow. While Gujarat does allow tourists to purchase and consume liquor after obtaining a permit, Bihar has imposed a total ban.
Sources said that Abdullah is concerned about how a total ban would impact tourism in the state.
“Jammu and Kashmir is heavily dependent on tourism after all. This sector has already taken a hit due to terrorist activity. A liquor ban could impact the flow of tourists further,” an official said.
Abdullah, while interacting with reporters in Ganderbal on Sunday, had said that his government was not forcing anyone to drink.
“Is anyone forcing them to drink? You are going to (a wine) shop on your own will. Why are you going there? We are not dragging you there. We are not advertising it,” he had said.