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If it's wrong to impose liquor ban on Hindus, how did Gujarat and Bihar do it: Iltija to Jammu and Kashmir CM
PDP leader Iltija Mufti challenged Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on his stance against a liquor ban, citing Gujarat and Bihar as examples. Abdullah defended not forcing people to drink, saying liquor shops serve those who choose to drink, while Mufti accused the stance of illogicality and called for consideration of broader state policies.
Why It Matters
The exchange highlights the ongoing debate over alcohol policy in Jammu and Kashmir and how it intersects with communal and secular sensibilities in Indian politics.
Timeline
3 Events
News article reporting the statements published
May 11, 2026
The article documenting these statements and exchanges was published on May 11, 2026 at 01:40 pm IST.
Iltija Mufti criticizes JK CM's stance on liquor ban
May 11, 2026
PDP leader Iltija Mufti posted on X criticizing the chief minister's comments, arguing it is illogical to say it is wrong to impose a liquor ban on Hindus and asking how Hindu-majority states like Gujarat and Bihar have banned alcohol without complaint. She also said, 'We are proud of J-K's secular credentials, but deeply unfortunate and insensitive for its chief minister to dismiss religious sensibilities of the majority with such indifference.'
Omar Abdullah's comment on liquor ban in Jammu and Kashmir
May 11, 2026
During interactions with reporters in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the government was not forcing people to drink liquor. He stated that people go to wine shops of their own will and that his government is not dragging or advertising it, addressing the demand for an alcohol ban in the union territory.