SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Momday clarified his recent remarks regarding liquor shops in Jammu and Kashmir, saying there was no confusion over the government’s stand and asserting that his administration has neither opened new liquor shops nor encouraged local youth towards alcohol consumption.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar this morning, CM Omar, said his earlier remarks were being “distorted” by political opponents.
“There is no confusion. It is my mistake sometimes that while speaking briefly on the roadside, answers which require detailed explanation get presented differently by opponents,” he said.
The Chief Minister said liquor shops are meant only for people whose religion permits alcohol consumption and pointed out that no government in Jammu and Kashmir has imposed a complete ban on such outlets so far.
“This shop is for those people whose religion allows them to drink alcohol. It does not mean we want more liquor shops or promote it. Our religion does not permit us, nor do we want our people to go there,” Omar said.
He said the present government has consciously avoided opening new liquor shops and has tried to ensure that such outlets are not established in areas where local youth could be negatively influenced.
“Our government did two or three things. First, we did not open any new liquor shop. Second, we tried our best to ensure there is no shop where our youth may be pushed towards the wrong path,” he added.
Omar Abdullah further said people from different religions and beliefs live in Jammu and Kashmir, including tourists and outsiders visiting the Union Territory, and asserted that the liquor outlets are not intended for local residents.
“People from outside Jammu and Kashmir also come here. These shops are for them, not for local people. It is simple,” he said.
The Chief Minister also accused opposition parties of selectively targeting his remarks while ignoring similar statements made by their own leaders in the past.
“If my statement was so wrong, then what did their government do? What I said recently was also stated on record in the Assembly earlier by the Finance Minister of PDP,” he said. (JKNS)
