Sopore, May 11: BJP Jammu and Kashmir General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul on Monday said no government can completely stop alcohol consumption through legislation alone, underlining the need for awareness to curb both alcohol and drug abuse.
Speaking to reporters, Koul said awareness campaigns were essential to discourage alcohol and drug consumption and that legislation alone cannot completely end such practices.
Backing the remark made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the issue, Koul said governments across have struggled to completely prohibit alcohol consumption through laws.
“There should be awareness to stop consumption of alcohol and drugs. It is not possible for any government to stop people from consuming alcohol by introducing laws. Wherever such laws have been enforced, the situation has become even worse,” he said.
Reacting to minister Sakina Itoo remarks, he said the anti-narcotics crackdown had started in Jammu before being extended to Kashmir and should not be viewed from a religious perspective.
The BJP leader defended the action, saying strong measures were required to create fear among those involved in the narcotics trade.
“It is necessary and if it is not done, how will it stop? They won’t even be afraid and they will end our future,” he said. —(KNO)
