Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Omar Abdullah clarified the Jammu and Kashmir government’s stand on liquor shops, stating that no new wine outlets have been opened in the Union Territory and that the administration is not promoting alcohol consumption.
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said existing liquor shops cater only to those communities and individuals whose religious beliefs permit alcohol consumption. He noted that no government in Jammu and Kashmir has ever imposed a complete ban on liquor shops.
“Our religion does not permit alcohol consumption, nor do we want people, especially youth, to move towards this path,” Abdullah said.
He added that the government has ensured that no new liquor shops are opened and that existing outlets are not located in areas where they could negatively influence young people.
The Chief Minister also accused political opponents of attempting to misuse his remarks to divert attention from their own past failures.
