Srinagar: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to draw inspiration from the newly elected government in Tamil Nadu and impose a ban on liquor in the Union Territory.
He said people across Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of religion or region, have consistently demanded a complete ban on liquor and it was the responsibility of an elected government to respect public sentiment and aspirations.
In a post on X, Altaf Bukhari referred to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay and said his recent decisions reflected “true public leadership.”
“Just two days after being sworn in as Chief Minister, he ordered closure of 717 liquor shops located near temples, schools and bus stands across the state,” Bukhari said.
Calling the move courageous, he said the decision was taken despite liquor sales contributing significantly to Tamil Nadu’s revenue.
“He chose to stand with the people and fulfil a long-pending public demand,” Bukhari added.
The Apni Party president said the Tamil Nadu government’s decision should serve as an “eye-opener” for the government in Jammu and Kashmir.
He criticised the ongoing political blame game over the issue, saying the ruling National Conference was citing the PDP’s failure to impose a liquor ban during its tenure.
“That may be true, but it does not mean that the National Conference, which has received a huge public mandate this time, should follow the same path,” he said.
Bukhari further stated that people across Jammu and Kashmir have repeatedly voiced support for a complete liquor ban and their sentiments should not be ignored.
“In a democracy, power belongs to the people, and every elected government has the duty to respect the sentiments, values and aspirations of the people it represents,” he said.
