SRINAGAR: Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to impose a complete ban on liquor in the Union Territory, saying the administration should draw inspiration from the recent decision taken by the newly elected Tamil Nadu government.
In a post on X, Bukhari said people across Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of religion or region, have consistently demanded a ban on liquor and that the elected government is duty-bound to respect public sentiment.
Referring to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, Bukhari said the newly elected leader had demonstrated “true public leadership” by ordering the closure of 717 liquor shops located near temples, schools and bus stands shortly after assuming office.
“His decisions clearly reflect the will and emotions of the people who elected him,” Bukhari said, adding that the move was significant despite liquor sales contributing substantially to Tamil Nadu’s revenue.
Calling the decision courageous, the Apni Party chief said it should serve as an example for the government in Jammu and Kashmir.
“This is how true public representatives use power to serve society with courage and sincerity,” he said.
Bukhari also criticised the ongoing political blame game over the issue of liquor prohibition in Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to remarks by the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference against the People’s Democratic Party, he said that even if previous governments failed to impose a ban, it should not prevent the present dispensation from acting on public demand.
“The voices of the people should not be ignored any longer,” Bukhari said, asserting that every elected government in a democracy is obligated to uphold the sentiments, values and aspirations of the people it represents.
