Says, people across J&K, irrespective of religion or region, have consistently demanded a complete ban on liquor, and it is the duty of an elected government to uphold public sentiment and aspirations of the people it represents
JK News Today
Srinagar, May 12: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday called on J&K’s government to draw inspiration fromTamil Nadu’s newly elected government and implement a ban on liquor in the Union Territory.
He said that people, irrespective of their religious affiliations, want a complete ban on liquor in J&K, and that the elected government is obligated to respect public sentiment in this regard.
In a post on X, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “Since taking office, Tamil Nadu’s newly elected Chief Minister, Joseph Vijay, has shown what true public leadership looks like. His decisions clearly reflect the will and emotions of the people who elected him. Just two days after being sworn in as Chief Minister, he ordered the closure of 717 liquor shops located near temples, schools, and bus stands across the state.”
Calling the move courageous, he added, “This was not an easy decision, especially when a major share of Tamil Nadu’s revenue comes from liquor sales. Yet, he chose to stand with the people and fulfill a long-pending public demand.”
Praising the Tamil Nadu chief minister’s decision, Bukhari said, “This is how true public representatives use power to serve society with courage and sincerity. Joseph Vijay’s decision should serve as an eye-opener for our government here in Jammu and Kashmir. Unfortunately, our political parties are indulging in a blame game. The ruling NC says that even the PDP refused to ban liquor when it was in power. That may be true, but it does not mean that the NC, which has received a huge public mandate this time, should also follow PDP’s path.”
He further said, “People across Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of religion or region, have repeatedly demanded a complete ban on liquor. Their voices should not be ignored any longer. In a democracy, power belongs to the people, and the duty of every elected government is to respect the sentiments, values, and aspirations of the people it represents.”
