Agha Hassan expresses concern over spread of alcohol, drugs in IOJK
Srinagar: Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, a senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference and President of the Anjuman Shari Shian, has expressed serious concern over the spread of alcohol and drugs in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Agha Syed Hassan, while addressing a public gathering in Budgam, stated that the spread of alcohol in occupied Jammu and Kashmir is not only un-Islamic but also morally wrong.
Referring to Indian tourists, he said they are welcome to visit the territory to enjoy the natural scenery, but their open consumption of alcohol here is unacceptable. He added that if tourists wish to drink, they should do so in their own cities.
He further stated that the welfare of IIOJK and the protection of its culture and civilization is the responsibility of all of us, and activities like alcohol consumption are not only against religious principles but also harmful to social peace and harmony.
Agha Hassan strongly condemned the arrest of Kashmiri youth in Srinagar for making a polite appeal to tourists. He said that Kashmiri youth had put up a signboard in Srinagar’s famous Lal Chowk on which tourists were politely requested not to consume alcohol and drugs in public places.
He said that it was a moral and cultural appeal to protect Kashmiri social values and encourage tourists to fully respect the natural beauty of Kashmir.
The board was removed by the police and the youth behind this move were arrested. Agha Hassan denounced the incident and demanded that efforts to suppress the voice of Kashmiris for the protection of moral values in Kashmir be stopped. He said that this act is an attempt to damage the cultural identity of Kashmir, which Kashmiris will reject at all costs.
