SRINAGAR, Feb 15: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary addressed the media on Saturday, stating that while a ban on alcohol is a positive step, the more pressing issue facing Jammu and Kashmir is the rampant drug abuse.
“We have been advocating for a liquor ban in Jammu and Kashmir for some time,” Choudhary remarked during his visit to Anantnag district in South Kashmir.
“It’s not just liquor that should face restrictions; all forms of drugs need to be prohibited in our region,” he asserted.
He emphasized, “While banning liquor is important, the real challenge lies in combating the drug menace that is plaguing Jammu and Kashmir.”
Choudhary expressed concern that drug addiction affects the youth and infiltrates homes.
“We will approach the Lieutenant Governor, who oversees the Police, to urge further action against drug trafficking in the region,” he stated, adding that “the Director General should also engage with the public to raise awareness about this critical issue.”
“Once, Jammu and Kashmir had minimal drug-related problems, but now it has become a significant issue among the youth,” he lamented.
In response to a query, Choudhary affirmed that statehood is a collective right for all, noting that the restoration of statehood was promised from the first day of his government’s tenure. He mentioned that a resolution to this effect has been submitted to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.
“Both the Prime Minister and Home Minister have assured us that statehood and special status will be reinstated, which will help protect jobs and land for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he concluded, expressing optimism for a swift restoration of statehood. (Agencies)
