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J&K leaders urge Omar Abdullah govt to follow Tamil Nadu's liquor ban steps
On May 12, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir leaders debated a liquor ban. Farooq Abdullah cited revenue concerns and potential Centre compensation, while opposition groups and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq urged adopting Tamil Nadu's liquor shop closures. Apni Party leader Altaf Bukhari praised Tamil Nadu's approach and called for a similar move in Jammu and Kashmir.
Why It Matters
The episode highlights how political actors in Jammu and Kashmir are negotiating liquor policy amid revenue considerations and broader social concerns, drawing comparisons with actions taken in Tamil Nadu.
Timeline
5 Events
Abdullah questions protesters and defends past liquor shop openings
May 12, 2026
Dr. Farooq Abdullah questioned those protesting liquor shops, asking why they remained silent when such outlets were opened in the past. He stated, 'We did not open liquor shops,' and implied accountability lies with those who opened them as they voice opposition now.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq calls for a complete liquor ban, links to drug networks
May 12, 2026
Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq argued that alcohol consumption is socially and religiously discouraged in a Muslim-majority region. He noted that other states have imposed restrictions or bans and said the first step by Tamil Nadu was the closure of 700 liquor shops; he tied the issue to ongoing efforts against drug networks and urged a complete ban.
Altaf Bukhari urges JK govt to imitate Tamil Nadu's liquor closures
May 12, 2026
J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari praised Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s swift closure of liquor shops and urged Jammu and Kashmir to follow suit, calling the Tamil Nadu actions an example of true public leadership and criticizing political blame games.
Opposition parties call for blanket liquor ban and urge following Tamil Nadu steps
May 12, 2026
Opposition groups, including the PDP and J&K Apni Party, along with Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, pressed for a blanket ban on liquor and urged the government to adopt Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s approach to close liquor shops, arguing it reflects the will of the people.
Farooq Abdullah says total liquor ban not possible without Centre compensation; cites Desai reference
May 12, 2026
NC president Farooq Abdullah stated he cannot completely ban liquor sales in Jammu and Kashmir due to revenue concerns. He recalled former Prime Minister Morarji Desai's push for prohibition in the 1970s and suggested the Centre would need to compensate for revenue losses; he added that with compensation, the ban could be implemented in two minutes.