Srinagar, Feb 16: National Conference (NC) Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Sunday clarified that he supports a complete ban on liquor and his earlier remarks on the issue were misquoted and misrepresented.
In a video message, Sadiq, who is the MLA from Zadibal constituency, said, “I want to clarify that I am in favour of banning liquor.” He expressed concern that his statement had been distorted, leading to unnecessary controversy.
“Some Ulema, whom I deeply respect, have reacted to my remarks. But I want to make it clear that I am a practising Muslim and firmly oppose the consumption and distribution of alcohol. Any attempt to misrepresent my stance is misleading,” Sadiq said.
Earlier in the day, senior religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had strongly criticised the NC MLA over his remarks on the liquor ban.
Sadiq further said that he had only suggested consulting all stakeholders on the matter but emphasised that his position had been wrongly portrayed.
Three MLAs from Jammu and Kashmir have submitted a private bill in the Legislative Assembly seeking a complete ban on liquor in the J&K. The bill was proposed by NC MLA Ahsan Pardesi, PDP MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, and AIP MLA Sheikh Khursheed.
