Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Monday strongly criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his recent comments regarding liquor shops in the Union Territory. Calling his remarks “illogical,” she questioned why the government could not impose a ban on alcohol in the region.

Her reaction came after Abdullah clarified the administration’s position on liquor outlets, stating that the government was not promoting alcohol consumption but merely allowing people whose faith permits drinking to make their own choices. Mufti argued that the Chief Minister’s reasoning did not make sense. She said that, by the same logic, drug traffickers could also claim they are not forcing anyone to consume narcotics.

Mufti also objected to religion being brought into the discussion, asserting that no religion encourages alcohol consumption. She further questioned why Jammu and Kashmir could not follow states like Gujarat and Bihar, where alcohol prohibition is already in place. Targeting the National Conference government, she said it was disappointing that a Chief Minister leading a Muslim-majority region was not considering the sensitivities of the people. According to her, introducing an alcohol ban would not be difficult given the strong mandate enjoyed by the ruling party in the Assembly. Mufti also accused Abdullah of frequently changing his stance on major issues. She remarked that with around 50 MLAs supporting the government, issuing an order to ban alcohol would take only minutes if there was genuine political will.

Meanwhile, addressing reporters, Abdullah defended the current policy and noted that no government in Jammu and Kashmir had ever enforced a total ban on liquor shops. He explained that such establishments were meant for communities and individuals whose beliefs allow alcohol consumption. The Chief Minister stressed that the government was not encouraging drinking and added that Islam itself does not permit alcohol consumption. He said the administration had taken steps to ensure young people are not influenced by it.

Abdullah stated that no new liquor outlets had been opened and that authorities were trying to ensure such shops were not located in places that could negatively impact the youth. He also accused opposition parties of politicising the issue to divert attention from their own shortcomings and past failures.