NC questions BJP’s role in J&K liquor policy after protest march toward CM residence

Srinagar, May 15: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Friday hit back at the Bharatiya Janata Party after BJP workers staged a protest march in Srinagar demanding a ban on liquor sales in Jammu and Kashmir.

The protest march was carried out by BJP workers toward the Chief Minister’s residence, where demonstrators raised slogans demanding prohibition on liquor consumption and sale in the Union Territory.

Responding to the protest, the National Conference issued a sharp statement on social media, questioning the BJP’s position on liquor policies implemented during previous administrations.

“We fully respect the sentiments of these 20 BJP workers,” the party said in a post shared through its official social media handle.

The National Conference further questioned which government was in power in Jammu and Kashmir when the 2017 Excise Policy identified Municipal Wards and Tehsils as the basis for unreserved liquor sale areas.

The party also referred to the 2022 decision permitting liquor sales in grocery and departmental stores, asking which administration was in office at that time. [KNT]