Srinagar October 11: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Tuesday denounced the government proposal for authorising departmental stores to sell alcoholic beverages in the urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), reads Echoing the widespread public outrage over the decision, Party’s State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said, “It is preposterous and mischievous. This will not only indulge youth into a new addiction but will also have serious ramifications considering how easy its access has been made.”
“On one hand, the government claims that it has waged a war against drug addiction and other substance abuses and on the other side it is promoting the sale of alcoholic beverages at public places. Everywhere such decisions are approved only after taking all stakeholders on board but here in J&K such decisions are being made without the necessary approval or discussion with community leaders, elders,” he said. He demanded an immediate rollback of the proposal.