Srinagar, May 11: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday clarified his remarks on liquor shops in the Union Territory, asserting that his government was neither encouraging alcohol consumption nor opening new liquor outlets, while accusing opposition parties of deliberately misrepresenting his statements for political purposes.
Speaking to reporters here, CM Abdullah said there was “no confusion” over his earlier remarks made in Ganderbal and blamed the controversy on brief media interactions where longer explanations were not possible.
“It is my fault sometimes because I answer questions in a short time while standing on the road, and then opponents twist those statements and present them differently,” he said.
The chief minister said liquor shops were not meant for everyone and were primarily for those whose religion permits alcohol consumption, as well as tourists and outsiders visiting Jammu and Kashmir.
“First of all, these shops are for those people whose religion allows them to consume alcohol. Our religion does not permit it, nor do we want people to go to these shops,” CM said.
He pointed out that no government in Jammu and Kashmir had so far imposed restrictions or a ban on liquor shops, but maintained that his administration had adopted measures to ensure such outlets do not negatively influence the younger generation.
“That does not mean we want these shops to be used more. We have not opened any new liquor shop. Secondly, we have tried our best to ensure there are no shops in places where our youth can be led astray,” he said.
CM accused opposition parties of using the issue to divert attention from their own record while in government.
“My opponents are trying to hide their own mistakes through these statements. If what I said was wrong, then what did they do when they were in power?” he asked.
The chief minister said the remarks he made in Ganderbal were consistent with statements previously made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership in the Assembly.
“What I said in Ganderbal was exactly what the then finance minister of the PDP had said on the floor of the House and that too on record,” he added.
Reiterating his position, Abdullah said liquor consumption was a matter of personal choice for those permitted by their faith and that the government was not encouraging local residents to consume alcohol.
“There are people in Jammu and Kashmir belonging to different religions and beliefs. People also come here from outside Jammu and Kashmir. These shops are meant for them, not for local people,” he said.
The chief minister also said there was nothing improper in telecom-related powers remaining with the Lieutenant Governor during situations involving public safety and law and order, as such matters fall under the Home Department.
“There is nothing wrong in giving telecom powers to the lieutenant governor during public safety events. This is according to the business rules and the Reorganisation Act,” Abdullah told reporters.
He explained that decisions related to suspension of internet or mobile phone services are taken by the Home Department, which falls under the Lieutenant Governor’s jurisdiction.
“If there is a need to stop mobile phone or internet services, the order is issued by the Home Department. Since this responsibility lies with the Lieutenant Governor, these powers should remain there,” he said.
Abdullah added that it would not be appropriate for the elected government to be blamed for decisions over which it had no authority.
“If they have to lean on our shoulder for shooting the gun, it would not be good for us because we have no role in it,” he remarked.
On his upcoming meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the chief minister said he would raise all important matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir, including restoration of statehood.
“I wish statehood could have been restored after just one meeting with the Home Minister. If that were possible, we would have got it long ago. But yes, I will raise statehood, business rules and other issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Responding to questions on cabinet expansion, Abdullah said the issue was unnecessarily being raised by the opposition and maintained that the government was functioning smoothly.
“I do not know why the opposition is so concerned about cabinet expansion. The government is functioning smoothly. The next election is still three-and-a-half years away. Whenever expansion or a reshuffle is required, I will discuss it with the party leadership and take a decision at the appropriate time,” he added.
