Altaf Thakur Threatens Secretariat Gherao Over Alcohol Policy
RK News Service
Srinagar, May 14: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson for Jammu and Kashmir, Altaf Thakur Thursday warned of a massive agitation against the sale of liquor in Kashmir, saying the party would launch protests across the Valley and even gherao the Civil Secretariat if the government failed to act on public sentiment.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Thakur said the people of Kashmir would not tolerate the expansion of liquor business in the Valley and alleged that the ruling National Conference was playing politics over the sensitive issue instead of taking a clear stand.
“We will launch anti-liquor protests across Kashmir and if needed we will also gherao the Secretariat. The people of Kashmir are against liquor sale and the government must respect public sentiment,” Thakur said.
He asserted that BJP workers and local residents would strongly oppose any attempt to expand wine shops or liquor outlets in the Valley. “We will not allow liquor sale in Kashmir. If needed, people themselves will shut down the wine shops,” he said.
The BJP leader accused the Omar Abdullah-led government of maintaining ambiguity on the issue and said the Chief Minister was trying to “play safe” rather than taking a decisive position.
“Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is avoiding a direct stand because the National Conference wants to keep both sides happy politically,” Thakur alleged.
He also criticised National Conference president Farooq Abdullah over his remarks on revenue generation, saying it was unfortunate to link public concerns with financial compensation.
“Dr Farooq Abdullah talking about revenue compensation is very sad. Revenue cannot be prioritised over the sentiments and culture of the people,” Thakur said.
The BJP spokesperson said Kashmir has a distinct social and cultural identity which, according to him, must be protected. He claimed there was growing resentment among people against the alleged increase in liquor-related activities in the Valley.
Thakur further said the administration should focus on employment generation and youth welfare instead of encouraging policies that could create “social problems” in society.
“The government should listen to the voice of the people before the issue escalates into a larger public movement,” he added.