SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said a ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir could be implemented if the Centre compensates the Union Territory for the resulting loss in revenue.
Speaking to reporters amid the ongoing political debate over liquor trade in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said habitual drinkers would continue to procure alcohol regardless of restrictions, while non-drinkers would not be influenced by the presence of liquor outlets.
He recalled a conversation involving his father and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, stating that former Prime Minister Morarji Desai had once asked Sheikh Abdullah to impose prohibition after the 1977 elections.
According to Abdullah, Sheikh Abdullah had responded that although he himself did not consume alcohol, the Government of India would have to compensate the financial losses if liquor was to be banned.
He said the same position remained applicable today and maintained that the government could quickly impose a ban if the Centre provided the required revenue support.
The National Conference president also rejected criticism directed at the present dispensation over liquor trade, asserting that the current government had not introduced liquor outlets in Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned why those who had opened such outlets earlier had remained silent at the time.
Abdullah further accused opposition parties of politicising the issue due to a lack of other public concerns to raise.
