Mirwaiz calls for alcohol ban, warns against targeting innocent families in anti-drug drive in IIOJK
Srinagar: Senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has stressed the need for a complete ban on alcohol in in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), while expressing serious concern over the growing menace of drug addiction in the territory and warning that the ongoing anti-drug campaign should not be region-biased or result in harassment of innocent families through home demolitions.
According to Kashmir Media Service, talking to reports on the sidelines of an event in Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that both drugs and alcohol were deeply harmful to society and authorities could not justify acting against one while staying quiet on the other.
He said that although IIOJK is a Muslim-majority territory where alcohol consumption is socially and religiously discouraged, several Indian states with non-Muslim majorities have also imposed restrictions or bans on alcohol due to its damaging impact on society. He pointed out that one of the first steps taken by the new government in Tamil Nadu was to close down 700 liquor shops.
Reiterating his demand for a complete ban on alcohol in the occupied territory, Mirwaiz said that the ongoing campaign against drug networks would not yield the desired results unless action was also taken against liquor, which, he said, was equally responsible for also destroying families.
Expressing concern over reports of home demolitions during anti-drug operations, he stressed that while curbing narcotics was essential, innocent family members should not be subjected to harassment or collective punishment, and the campaign must be implemented fairly and without regional bias.
Touching upon the escalating tensions involving Iran and the broader global energy crisis, Mirwaiz expressed hope that peace would prevail and the situation would de-escalate soon.
He also criticised the United States, saying that Washington’s policies were contributing to instability and conflict across the world, particularly in relation to Tehran.
Mirwaiz described Iran’s proposals aimed at de-escalation and ending hostilities as “reasonable and justified,” while accusing the United States of maintaining a rigid and uncompromising stance.
