Srinagar, Dec 9: Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday came down heavily on the Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on his advocacy of opening liquor shops in the Valley saying such “irresponsible remarks” are unacceptable in Muslim majority Jammu and Kashmir.
 Addressing the people after Friday congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid here, Mirwaiz said, “on one hand while political and religious parties have got united to curb social evils and cultural aggression, but on other ruling dispensation under a plan is trying to promote un-Islamic acts here. They are hurting the sentiments of people through their utterances. We advice that the person who has uttered these (open liquor shops) remarks, should take rest now,” he said.
 Mirwaiz said the ruling National Conference should clarify their stand on Dr Farooq’s remarks. “If they will remain silent, we will construe that they are supporting his views and promoting immoral and illegal activities in the Valley,” he said.
 Mirwaiz maintained that tourists don’t come to Kashmir for consuming liquor. “Tourism is not the baby of the State Government. From centuries, tourists are visiting here to enjoy nature’s beauty and not for consuming liquor or  indulging in other immoral activities. It is a shame on those advocating sale of liquor here as even Muslim minority states like Gujarat had banned it,” he added
 “Jammu and Kashmir is a Muslim majority State. We have been upholding Islamic values from the centuries and we will not allow any act, which contradicts Islamic teachings or values here. Our religion forbids consumption or trade of liquor and describes it as mother of all evils,” he added.
 The pro-freedom asked people involved in liquor trade to desist from it and also appealed people associated with tourism trade not to allow their hotels, houseboats and restaurants to be used for unethical acts.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST