Irtiqa Mufti Leads PDP’s Campaign to Ban Alcohol in J&K
Srinagar, Feb 24 (KINS) Irtiqa Mufti, the eldest daughter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, has taken a firm political 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 on X, Irtiqa called on people to join the movement, emphasizing that banning alcohol is only the first step. “Please be a part of our fight against alcohol and addiction. Sign our digital signature campaign, which I will be linking in my bio soon. But remember, the ban is just the beginning. To make it effective, we need to educate people on the dangers of alcohol and drugs,” she said.
Highlighting the need for rehabilitation instead of social ostracization, she added, “Instead of shunning addicts and leaving them to die, we must establish proper rehabilitation centers to help them recover. If you’re struggling with addiction, please reach out for help.”
Irtiqa stressed that addressing alcohol abuse requires a community-driven approach, not just government intervention. “The government can ban alcohol and take strict action against drug dealers, but the responsibility to fight this menace lies with all of us,” she asserted. She warned that rising alcohol consumption was destroying families in J&K, a region previously known for lower crime rates.
The PDP has launched a signature campaign to garner support for a bill seeking a complete ban on liquor distribution and consumption in J&K. The bill, submitted in the assembly by Mir Mohammad Fayaz, the party MLA from Kupwara, is at the center of the party’s anti-alcohol movement.
The campaign was officially launched at the PDP headquarters by Iltija Mufti, Mehbooba Mufti’s younger daughter, who has been actively involved in politics. Iltija had contested the Bijbehara assembly seat last year but was unsuccessful.
As the debate over alcohol regulation intensifies, the PDP’s move signals a significant political push to address addiction and its impact on Jammu and Kashmir’s youth.(KINS)
35 Lakh seized from Car in Kathua, one detained
Jammu, Feb 24 (KIINS)Police seized 35.08 lakh from a private car in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Monday, detaining one person for questioning. This marks the second major cash seizure in the district within a week, officials said.
A police team intercepted a Delhi-registered car in Baghthali village on the Jammu-Pathankot highway and discovered a bag containing the cash. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled, while another occupant was taken into custody for questioning.
Earlier, on February 18, two youths from Kashmir were arrested in Lakhanpur after police found ₹3.36 crore hidden in a secret compartment inside their car.
Authorities have informed the Income Tax Department, and an investigation is underway to determine the source and intended use of the seized money.(KINS)
Omar Abdullah joins PM Modi’s anti-obesity campaign
Srinagar, Feb 24 (KINS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign against obesity, emphasizing the need for a healthier lifestyle. He also nominated 10 prominent personalities to take the movement forward.
“I’m very happy to join the campaign against obesity launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji,” Abdullah said in a post on X. Highlighting the dangers of obesity, he added, “It leads to serious health issues like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, strokes, and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.”
To continue the chain of awareness, Abdullah nominated business leaders, athletes, and celebrities, including Biocon Limited founder Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, industrialist Sajjan Jindal, actor Deepika Padukone, former tennis player Sania Mirza, ex-cricketer Irfan Pathan, NCP MP Supriya Sule, and former Wushu star Kuldeep Handoo.
The campaign gained momentum after PM Modi’s “Mann ki Baat” address, where he urged citizens to reduce oil consumption by 10% and challenge 10 others to do the same.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said, “The Prime Minister nominated me through X, and I have now nominated 10 more people. Awareness is key. The healthier we are, the more productive we become—whether in work, education, or life expectancy. It also reduces pressure on hospitals.”
Obesity as a Growing Concern
Calling obesity a lifestyle disease, Abdullah stressed the need for exercise, healthy eating, and preventive measures. “It is increasing, but we can control it with the right habits,” he said.
When asked about his government’s progress on election promises, Abdullah reminded reporters that his tenure had just begun. “People have given me a mandate for five years, not five days. We haven’t even presented our first budget yet,” he said.
Reaffirming his push for J&K’s statehood, he emphasized, “Many issues cannot be resolved under a Union Territory setup. That’s why we are fighting for statehood.” However, he assured that his government would continue working on what’s possible within the current framework while advocating for full statehood.
Abdullah also addressed concerns about water scarcity due to inadequate winter rainfall and snowfall. “We have an 80% rainfall deficit, which could lead to shortages in summer—not just for agriculture but also for household use,” he warned.
He urged people to adopt water conservation measures, while the government would focus on rainwater harvesting and glacier preservation. “We will coordinate with the Agriculture and Jal Shakti departments to ensure irrigation water for farmers,” he assured.
While declining to comment on the upcoming state budget, Abdullah stated that his government would present it in the assembly first. “It would be inappropriate to discuss the budget before that,” he said.
As Abdullah takes charge of his administration, his support for the anti-obesity campaign and push for statehood remain key aspects of his leadership in Jammu and Kashmir.(KINS)
