‘No One Is Being Forced’: Omar Abdullah Rejects Liquor Ban Demand in Jammu and Kashmir, Cites Personal Choice and Religious Freedom for Non-Muslims and Tourists (Watch Video)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has formally addressed the growing calls for a liquor ban in the Union Territory, clarifying that his administration will maintain the status quo while ensuring strict locational regulations. Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal on Sunday, the Chief Minister emphasized that the availability of alcohol is intended for those whose religious beliefs do not prohibit its consumption, as well as for tourists visiting the region.

Abdullah noted that no previous government in Jammu and Kashmir has imposed a blanket ban on liquor, highlighting a policy of continuity rather than expansion. “First of all, these liquor shops are meant for those whose religion permits them to consume alcohol,” the Chief Minister stated. He further clarified that the administration is not actively promoting or advertising alcohol, nor is it seeking to increase overall consumption levels. Liquor To Be Banned in Jammu and Kashmir? 3 MLAs Submit Private Bills to Speaker Seeking Booze Ban in Valley.

Addressing concerns regarding the influence of alcohol on the younger generation, Abdullah detailed the proactive measures taken by his government. These include a moratorium on opening new liquor outlets and a stringent review of shop locations. “We made every effort to ensure that no shop is located in places where our youth could be influenced in the wrong direction,” he added.

The Chief Minister’s remarks come at a sensitive time as the administration intensifies its 100-day anti-drug campaign. While religious leaders and opposition parties have called for a total ban to combat substance abuse, Abdullah maintained that the current system serves a specific demographic. He pointed out that many consumers are individuals coming from outside Jammu and Kashmir who utilize these facilities. Jammu and Kashmir: Authorities Extend Ban on Liquor, Non-Veg Food Around Vaishno Devi Shrine for 2 More Months.

Omar Abdullah Addresses Liquor Sale Controversy

VIDEO | On demand for liquor ban, Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) says, "First of all, these liquor shops are meant for those whose religion permits them to consume alcohol. Secondly, no government in Jammu and Kashmir has imposed a ban on these shops so far.… pic.twitter.com/UFAnbuV1sB

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 11, 2026

"These shops are not meant for local residents. It is as simple as that," Abdullah concluded, reinforcing that the government's priority remains balancing personal freedoms for visitors and non-Muslims with the social and religious values of the local population.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 11, 2026 09:12 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).