Srinagar, Feb 24: Irtiqa Mufti, the eldest daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, has taken a strong stance against alcohol consumption in Jammu and Kashmir, urging public support for the party’s campaign to ban liquor in the Union Territory.
In a video message shared on X, Irtiqa called on citizens to join the movement by signing a digital signature campaign that she plans to link in her bio soon. She emphasized that banning alcohol is only the first step and that sustained efforts are needed to educate people about the dangers of addiction. “Please be a part of our fight against alcohol and addiction. Instead of abandoning addicts, we need proper rehabilitation centers to help them heal,” she stated.
Expressing concerns over the increasing impact of alcohol and drugs on Kashmiri youth, Irtiqa lamented that families are being destroyed due to addiction-related issues. She noted that crime rates in J&K were previously low, but the growing influence of liquor and substance abuse has led to social deterioration.
She stressed that combating this issue requires collective responsibility rather than relying solely on government intervention. “The government can ban alcohol and take action against drug dealers, but the real change will come when society unites against this menace,” she asserted.
The PDP has officially launched a signature campaign in support of a bill submitted by party MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz from Kupwara, advocating for a complete ban on liquor distribution and consumption in J&K. The campaign was formally initiated at the PDP headquarters by Iltija Mufti, Mehbooba Mufti’s youngest daughter, who has been actively involved in political affairs and previously contested the assembly elections from Bijbehara.