Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 22: Demanding that J&K be declared alcohol-free like several other states of the country, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today kick-started a signature campaign to garner support for its bill that seeks a complete ban on alcohol.
The campaign began at the party headquarters and was attended by PDP leaders and workers from different areas, including Iltija Mufti and other office bearers from the Srinagar district.
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Speaking with reporters, Iltija said that youth are getting involved in drugs and alcohol, affecting the entire social fabric. “We have kick-started the campaign here and want to create awareness against drugs. We ask people to support us,” she said.
The PDP leader demanded that J&K be declared alcohol-free, just like Bihar and Gujarat, stressing that it has nothing to do with tourism.
“One of the NC MLAs said that there should be a free flow of alcohol, citing tourism as the reason, but there are states where alcohol has been prohibited; it has nothing to do with tourism,” she said.
The PDP leader urged the NC, People’s Conference and BJP to support them in seeking a ban on alcohol, stating that it is not a political issue but a social one.
Iltija said that over the last several years, many liquor outlets have opened, leading to easy availability and that due to youth involvement, families are getting affected, and the moral fabric is deteriorating.
“We have brought the bill, but we need public support. I hope people will support us. Everyone is aware of the unemployment situation, which is driving youngsters into the trap of drugs and alcohol,” she said.
Regarding the NC, which has also brought a bill demanding a ban on alcohol, Iltija termed it “half-baked,” stating that the bill is limited to the jurisdiction of Lal Chowk only.
“They do not act independently and often follow PDP’s lead. They are copycats and act under pressure. They did not even bring a resolution on Article 370 and had to be forced to do that.”
She further stated that their MLA argued for the free flow of alcohol, citing tourism as the reason.
While lauding the J&K police for effectively raising awareness about drug abuse, Iltija urged them to also curb the free availability of alcohol across the Union Territory.
It is to be noted that MLA Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, who belongs to the PDP, has submitted a bill seeking a ban on alcohol across J&K.
The bill is set to be tabled, if allowed, during the upcoming Budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly in March.
NC MLA from Lal Chowk, Ahsan Pardesi, has also submitted a similar bill.
Regarding her expectations from the upcoming Assembly session, Iltija said, “It is not just about expectations but about doing what needs to be done. There have been videos emerging that show the nuisance spreading due to alcohol use, and this needs to be prohibited.”
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