Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s refusal to explicitly endorse or oppose a ban on alcohol has triggered a political firestorm, with critics alleging his neutrality hints at tacit approval for its open consumption in the Muslim-majority region.
During an interview with a national news channel, Abdullah, as per news agency Kashmir Bulletin, deflected demands for immediate action, insisting the matter must first be formally tabled for discussion, a stance opponents seen by political rivals and religious scholars as “evasive” and “out of sync with Islamic values.”
Abdullah on asked about the issue, which off late has gained much weight, argued that the absence of an alcohol ban in his party’s election manifesto precluded any unilateral action. “Had we intended to act, it would have been in our manifesto. Let the bill come to the house, and we will debate it,” he said, brushing aside demands for urgency. His remarks drew sharp retorts from rivals.
Independent legislator Hakeem Yaseen led the charge, invoking Quranic principles to demand an immediate ban. “Gujarat isn’t a Muslim state, yet it prohibits alcohol. Why can’t we, as a Muslim-majority region, take a clear stand? This isn’t about manifestos, it’s about faith,” he asserted while talking to news agency Kashmir Bulletin.
The PDP amplified the criticism, with spokesperson Aga Muntazir Mehdi accusing the CM of “normalizing alcohol through indecision.” He highlighted Abdullah’s shifting rhetoric, from pledging stakeholder consultations to floating regional bans, as evidence of a “lack of conviction.”
PDP leader Iltija Mufti on the other hand delivered a scathing rebuke, linking the issue to broader governance failures. “He promised jobs, electricity, and reservations but delivered nothing. Now, hiding behind manifesto technicalities? Even his own MLA filed a ban bill, this is blatant doublespeak,” she said, adding, “Social media videos of tourists publicly consuming alcohol in Srinagar have further galvanized public outrage, with many residents linking the issue to cultural erosion.”
“If it’s not in their agenda, why is their MLA undermining the CM?,” argued Iltija.
Asked about CM’s charge that ‘PDP did nothing during their government regarding the issue, Iltija said, “Concede that we didn’t do it, but we must see the damage alcohol menace dealt to Kashmir in last one decade,” adding, “When we came to power, we only had 28 mlas, but now JKNC has come in power with full majority, and if we failed to do the things, who is stopping you to.”
“Omar Sahab is making excuses’ in the present for the things of past, the same way BJP despite 12 years in power is using JL Nehru as a scapegoat to hide its failures, JKNC is using PDP to hide its shortcomings,” she said. “You (CM) do the things the people want, and yes you even don’t need PDP or any other party for support, for you have full majority in the House.”
Prominent religious scholar Agha Hadi framed the debate as a moral obligation. “No Muslim would accept legalized alcohol in their homeland. Nine Indian states have bans, why not here? Tourists drink openly, corrupting our youth. This isn’t politics; it’s about saving souls,” he argued.
JKPC senior leader Imran Reza Ansari has described the statements of CM Omar Abdullah, as an affront to Islamic principles and an unacceptable misrepresentation of religious doctrine by someone unfit to speak on the matter.
“We strongly denounce Omar Abdullah’s reckless and ignorant comments that indirectly endorse alcohol,” said Molvi Imran Raza Ansari. “Islam should be asked from someone who knows about it, not Omar Abdullah, who has no idea about the rulings of Islam. His words reflect a complete disconnect from the faith and its teachings, which leave no room for ambiguity or personal interpretation on such matters.”
Ansari emphasized that Islam’s stance on alcohol is unequivocal, rooted in the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and upheld by centuries of scholarly consensus. “Omar Abdullah’s attempt to muddy the waters on this issue is not just misguided, it is disrespectful to every Muslim who holds these values sacred,” he added. “He has no authority, no knowledge, and no grounding to speak on Islamic rulings. This is not a subject for casual opinions or political posturing, it is a matter of divine law that demands respect and understanding, neither of which he possesses.” (KB)
