J&K CM Abdullah retracts statement on liquor in face of growing criticism

Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, retracted his earlier statement that "No one was forcing anyone to consume liquor" after facing criticism. The National Conference (NC) MP, Aga Syed Ruhullah, joined the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in calling for a ban on all liquor outlets in the state. The PDP leader Iltija Mufti accused the NC of changing its stance and argued that no religion supports alcohol consumption. The BJP stated that legislation alone cannot stop alcohol consumption and emphasized the need for awareness campaigns.