Srinagar, Mar 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly refuted reports suggesting that his government is expanding the liquor business in Jammu and Kashmir. Dismissing the claims as baseless, he urged media outlets to stop spreading misinformation.
“No new liquor vends are being advertised or allotted by my government. TV channels and news portals should immediately stop peddling this lie,” Abdullah stated.
Clarifying the situation, the Chief Minister said that the number of wine shops in J&K has remained unchanged at 305 since the financial year 2023-24. He provided a break-up, confirming that Jammu has 291 liquor vends while Kashmir has only 14.
“There is no increase in any vend, either in Jammu or in Kashmir. The news being circulated on social media regarding the rise in the number of wine shops in J&K is completely baseless,” he emphasized.
Omar Abdullah’s strong reaction comes amid growing concerns over the alleged promotion of alcohol consumption in the region. [KNT]
