Srinagar, May 11 : PDP leader Iltija Mufti on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his recent remarks regarding alcohol, accusing him of repeatedly taking “U-turns” on public issues.
Addressing press conference in Srinagar as per news agency JKNS, Iltija Mufti said that since the formation of the NC government, Omar Abdullah has changed his stand on several issues and recently attempted to defend his statement on alcohol consumption through what she termed as another “U-turn.”
“Recently he gave a wrong statement about alcohol. Now he is defending his statement with his usual U-turns. Omar said he isn’t forcing anyone to consume alcohol,” she said.
She further questioned the participation of ruling party legislators in the “Nasha Mukht Abhiyan” while simultaneously defending alcohol-related policies.
“I want to ask him why the Nasha Mukht Abhiyan is witnessing participation of your lawmakers if your government is defending alcohol,” she said.
Bringing up the issue of religion and social sentiments, Iltija said no religion permits alcohol consumption and questioned why Jammu and Kashmir cannot have restrictions similar to states like Bihar and Gujarat.
“No religion allows anyone to consume alcohol. Bihar and Gujarat are dry states despite having Hindu majority populations. If those governments can ban alcohol there, why can’t it be banned in Jammu and Kashmir?” she asked.
She also said the Chief Minister should understand the sentiments of the Muslim-majority region and asserted that the government has enough numbers in the Assembly to take such a decision if it genuinely wants to.
“In a way, Omar Abdullah is promoting alcohol culture,” she alleged.
Iltija Mufti, however, refused to comment on reports regarding the Prime Minister’s remarks urging minimal use of petrol and diesel. (JKNS)
