Srinagar, May 12 (KNB): National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday defended his stance on liquor sales, stating that people who consume alcohol would continue to obtain it regardless of restrictions.
While addressing the media in Srinagar, Abdullah questioned the silence of critics during the opening of liquor shops in the region.
“Those who drink alcohol will get it from anywhere. Where were these people making noise today when liquor shops were being opened?” he remarked.
The veteran leader further said that the government heavily depends on revenue generated from liquor sales and challenged critics to compensate for the loss if they seek closure of liquor outlets.
“Give us the revenue earned from liquor sales, and we’ll shut alcohol shops within two minutes,” Abdullah added.
His remarks come amid ongoing debates and criticism from various quarters over the operation and expansion of liquor outlets in Jammu and Kashmir.(KNB)