Srinagar, October 12, 2022 (PPI-OT):In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian authorities’ move to allow open sale of beer in the departmental stores has invoked strong outrage. The IIOJK administration has approved a proposal to authorise the departmental stores to sell beer and other ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages in urban areas.

Peoples Democratic Party President, Mehbooba Mufti, talking to reporters in Srinagar said that the authorities’ move was aimed at hurting the sentiments of the Muslims in IIOJK. She deplored that the same thing is being allowed to be sold in stores in IIOJK which is prohibited in the Indian states of Bihar and Gujarat. The consequences of Indian oppression will not be right, she said.

National Conference spokesperson in a statement said, this will not only indulge youth into a new addiction but will also have serious ramifications considering how easy its access has been made. He said on one hand, the authorities claim that they have waged a war against drug addiction and other substance abuses, while on the other, they are promoting the sale of alcoholic beverages at public places. He demanded an immediate rollback of the move.

The Congress party leaders in a meeting in Jammu severely criticised the authorities for allowing sale of beers and alcoholic beverages over the counter at departmental stores. They termed it the worst gift from the Bharatiya Janata Party to the people of IIOJK. Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen also expressed serious concern over the authorities’ decision. Meanwhile, activists of Mahila (women wing of party) Congress held a protest demonstration against the authorities’ decision. The protesters said the authorities are deliberately indulging the youth in drugs addiction by allowing the selling of alcohol in departmental stores.

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