Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Ashok Koul on Monday said no government can completely stop alcohol consumption through legislation alone, stressing that awareness and public participation are crucial in tackling both alcohol and drug abuse.
Speaking to reporters, Koul said awareness campaigns were essential to discourage substance abuse and asserted that merely introducing laws would not fully eliminate alcohol consumption.
“Awareness is necessary to stop the consumption of alcohol and drugs. It is not possible for any government to completely stop people from consuming alcohol through legislation alone. Wherever such laws have been enforced, the situation has often worsened,” he said.
The BJP leader also backed recent remarks made by Omar Abdullah on the issue, saying governments across the country have faced challenges in implementing complete prohibition.
Reacting to comments made by minister Sakina Itoo, Koul said the anti-narcotics crackdown began in Jammu before being extended to Kashmir and should not be viewed through a religious lens.
He defended the ongoing drive against drug trafficking, asserting that strong measures were necessary to create fear among those involved in the narcotics trade.
“Strict action is necessary. If such measures are not taken, how will this menace stop? Those involved in drug trafficking must fear the law because they are destroying the future of our youth,” he said.
