Srinagar, May 12, KNT: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday linked any potential liquor ban in Jammu and Kashmir to financial compensation from the Centre, saying the government could impose prohibition if revenue losses were offset by New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters amid the ongoing political controversy over liquor trade in the Union Territory, Abdullah said habitual drinkers would continue to procure alcohol irrespective of restrictions, while non-drinkers would not be influenced by the existence of liquor shops.
“Habitual drunkards will get liquor anyway, even from outside. Those who don’t drink will not drink,” Abdullah said.
Recalling a conversation involving his father and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, he said former Prime Minister Morarji Desai had once asked Sheikh Abdullah to ban liquor after the 1977 elections.
“My father told him that he himself did not drink, but if the Government of India compensated the revenue, liquor could be banned,” Abdullah said.
He added that the same position remained relevant today.
“Even today, if the Indian government gives us the revenue, the government will ban it quickly,” he said.
The NC president also rejected criticism directed at the present dispensation over liquor trade, saying the current government had not introduced liquor outlets in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We didn’t open the liquor shops. I want to ask those who opened them why they remained silent then,” he said.
Abdullah accused opposition parties of politicizing the issue due to lack of other public issues and warned that the country was facing more serious economic and geopolitical challenges.
“He said the country was already facing mounting economic and energy-related challenges and cautioned that any prolonged confrontation between the United States and Iran could adversely affect India’s economy and fuel security.”
The remarks come amid renewed debate in Jammu and Kashmir over liquor licensing and demands from religious and political groups seeking prohibition in the Union Territory. [KNT]
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