Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday reiterated his concerns over the growing menace of drug addiction and renewed his demand for a complete ban on alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a supermarket chain inauguration in Srinagar, the Mirwaiz referred to the issues he had raised during his Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid Srinagar regarding substance abuse and its impact on society.
He said both drugs and alcohol are harmful to society and asserted that the government cannot justify taking strict action against narcotics while remaining silent on liquor consumption.
Mirwaiz stated that Jammu and Kashmir, being a Muslim-majority region where alcohol consumption is socially and religiously discouraged, should seriously consider imposing restrictions on liquor. He also pointed out that several non-Muslim-majority states in India have introduced curbs on alcohol due to its adverse social consequences.
Referring to developments in Tamil Nadu, he said the newly formed government’s first major step was the closure of hundreds of liquor outlets.
Reiterating his demand for a complete alcohol ban, Mirwaiz said the ongoing anti-drug campaign would not achieve meaningful results unless liquor, which he described as equally destructive to families and society, is also addressed.
He further stressed that the anti-narcotics drive should not become region-specific and cautioned against harassment of family members for the actions of individuals, particularly through measures such as demolition of homes.
