SRINAGAR, May 12 (KNS) : Hours after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 liquor shops near religious places, educational institutions, and bus stands, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday urged the National Conference-led government to follow suit, saying the “blame game” on the issue must end.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, who took oath just two days prior, ordered the crackdown on retail vends located in sensitive zones, a move Apni Party chief described as “true public leadership.” He noted that the decision came despite liquor sales forming a major share of Tamil Nadu’s state revenue.
“This is how true public representatives use power to serve society with courage and sincerity. Joseph Vijay’s decision should serve as an eye-opener for our government here in Jammu and Kashmir,” Apni Party chief told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS).
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The Apni Party chief criticized both the ruling NC and the PDP for failing to act on a long-pending public demand for a complete ban on liquor in the Union Territory.
“Unfortunately, our political parties are indulging in a blame game. The ruling NC says that even the PDP refused to ban liquor when it was in power. That may be true, but it does not mean that the NC, which has received a huge public mandate this time, should also follow the PDP’s path,” he said.
Altaf Bukhari asserted that people across Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of religion or region, have repeatedly demanded a ban. “Their voices should not be ignored any longer. In a democracy, power belongs to the people, and the duty of every elected government is to respect the sentiments, values, and aspirations of the people it represents,” he added. (KNS)