Allowing sale of beer at departmental stores a disastrous decision: J&K Congress

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Tuesday blasted the Union Territory administration over its recent nod to the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages over the counter at departmental stores. Terming the move anti-youth, Congress noted that after downgrading J&K and snatching away its statehood, the proxy BJP administration is driving UT youth towards alcohol addiction. The party demanded the decision be revoked.
JKPCC working president Raman Bhalla said the people of Jammu — a historic pilgrimage destination of the country — gave 25 MLAs to BJP and it returned the favour with the worst gift possible in the form of this disastrous decision, which will tarnish the image of the “holiest city of temples” that houses the shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi.
Approving the sale of alcoholic beverages at departmental stores will encourage the consumption of alcohol, which is particularly detrimental for youth, Bhalla said while chairing a meeting of senior Congress functionaries in Jammu.
“When BJP was in the opposition, it used to blame the Kashmir-based governments of pushing Jammu youths into addiction. Now, the party has resorted to wholesale opening of liquor shops in J&K,” said Bhalla.