PDP Leader Iltija Mufti Detained Ahead of Signature Campaign to Ban Alcohol in Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar: PDP leader Iltija Mufti was briefly detained ahead of her signature campaign for the ban on alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

The daughter of the former Chief Minister announced a signature campaign to rally public backing for the PDP’s liquor ban bill, which was submitted by a party MLA.

According to sources, Mufti was not allowed to move out, and the road leading to the PDP office was blocked by Jammu and Kashmir Police before her signature campaign.

After she was allowed to proceed, Mufti emphasized the purpose of the campaign, stating, “We have come here to discuss a very serious issue. The issue of drugs and alcohol is spreading like fire in J&K. Our MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, has introduced a bill in the J&K Assembly to ban alcohol.”

Speaking to Republic, she said, “Drugs and alcohol are not political issues; they are apolitical and social evils.” She further described substance abuse as an epidemic in J&K and commended the Jammu and Kashmir Police for raising awareness on the issue.
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The young leader urged the public to galvanize support for the campaign. She also questioned why J&K should not have a ban if other states do.

While speaking to news agency ANI, she said, “The youngsters of J&K are falling into alcohol and drug addiction. We wanted to create awareness and ask people to support us. I request the public to join our campaign. For the last 4-5 years, J&K Police has been working very well to stop the drug menace. I request them to extend their crackdown to the freely available alcohol in J&K.”

She urged all political parties to support her campaign, emphasizing the broader implications of the issue. “Alcohol is not just a political issue but also a socio-political and religious one. I request the NC, BJP , and CPI to support our bill on the ban. The police should continue their commendable work against drug abuse and extend it to tackling alcohol addiction as well. If alcohol can be banned in Bihar and Gujarat , why is it not possible in J&K?”

She further assured the police that her campaign was peaceful and aimed solely at garnering public support for the bill, saying, “I want to make it clear to the police that we are not here to disrupt law and order. This campaign is only to gather support for the bill.”