Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 11: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti today accused Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah of “promoting drug culture” through his remarks on demands for a liquor ban in J&K.
Click here to watch video
She also alleged that the National Conference Government had repeatedly taken “U-turns” on major public issues since assuming office in 2024.
Addressing a press conference, here today Iltija criticised Abdullah over his recent remarks on liquor prohibition, in which he had said, “Who is forcing youth to consume alcohol?”
She termed the statement “illogical” and argued that the same reasoning could be used by drug-peddlers to justify the narcotics trade.
The PDP leader alleged that Abdullah was “washing his hands” of responsibility at a time when drug abuse and alcohol consumption were increasing in Kashmir.
“It is extremely worrying that the CM of any state in India is promoting a drug culture where he, in a way, washes his hands of the drug crisis that is exploding in Kashmir,” she said, adding that Abdullah was “absolving himself of responsibility” and promoting a “wrong culture” among the youth.
She also criticised the Chief Minister for referring to religion during the debate on alcohol consumption. She said no religion permitted addiction or substance abuse of any kind.
Drawing comparisons with Bihar and Gujarat, where liquor prohibition is in force, she questioned why a similar ban could not be implemented in J&K. “If they can ban liquor there, why can’t you impose a similar ban here?” she asked.
The PDP leader further accused Abdullah of ignoring the sensitivities of the Muslim-majority population in J&K
Linking the issue to other Government decisions, Iltija alleged that the National Conference had reversed its stand on several promises and policy matters, including reservation, protection of Urdu, free 200 units of electricity and the promise of one lakh jobs.
Referring to a reported Government order related to Revenue Department recruitment, she claimed the administration had similarly ignored concerns regarding Urdu.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
