Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Monday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his remarks on alcohol consumption, accusing him of promoting a “wrong culture” and ignoring the sensitivities of the Muslim-majority region.
She was responding to Omar’s Sunday statement in Ganderbal that no one was being compelled to consume alcohol, and people visit liquor outlets by their own choice triggering a controversy. However, this morning Omar clarified that his remark over liquor shops were being “twisted” by political opponents.
He insisted that liquor shops are intended only for those whose religion permits the consumption of alcohol.
Addressing a press conference, PDP’s Iltija said the National Conference government had repeatedly taken “U-turns” on key promises since assuming office in 2024, including on reservation, protection of Urdu, free electricity and employment.
Referring to Omar Abdullah’s recent remarks on alcohol, she said the Chief Minister initially stated that the government was not stopping youngsters from consuming alcohol and later attempted to soften the statement after public criticism.
“What he said about alcohol was completely illogical,” she said, adding that the same logic could be used by drug peddlers to justify narcotics abuse by claiming that youngsters consume drugs out of their own will.
She said the government’s anti-drug campaign contradicted the Chief Minister’s remarks and questioned how authorities could bulldoze properties of alleged drug peddlers while simultaneously arguing that the government was not responsible for people consuming intoxicants.
Iltija further accused Omar Abdullah of bringing religion into the debate by suggesting that alcohol consumption was not prohibited for non-Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir.
“No religion promotes intoxication, whether it is Islam, Hinduism or Sikhism,” she said, asserting that alcohol and drugs were discouraged across faiths.
Drawing comparisons with states such as Gujarat and Bihar where liquor prohibition is in place, she questioned why a similar ban could not be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir.
“If governments in Hindu-majority states can impose prohibition, why can’t this government do the same here?” she asked.
The PDP leader said alcohol was explicitly prohibited in Islam and alleged that the Chief Minister was ignoring the cultural and religious sensitivities of the Muslim-majority region. She also accused the National Conference government of failing to address growing unemployment and despair among youth, which she said was contributing to rising drug addiction.
“First you don’t provide jobs to youngsters and then you say their alcohol or drug consumption is not your responsibility,” she said, terming the remarks “insensitive” and “out of touch with reality.”
Iltija also alleged that the National Conference government was encouraging policies associated with the BJP and RSS, citing the recent controversy over Urdu in the revenue department and reservation issues.
She urged the administration and the Lieutenant Governor to intensify the crackdown on alcohol.
The National Conference was quick to hit back at the PDP.
The chief spokesman of NC and MLA Tanvir Sadiq said that the PDP founder used to drink alcohol. “Very rich coming from a party that opposed a liquor ban in the name of a ‘free world,’ while its own founder publicly stated about his habits after 7 pm. Daulat’s video is still on YouTube. One small,” remember” said Tanvir.
