No govt can fully stop alcohol consumption through laws alone: Koul

Defends demolitions, says strong measures required to create fear among drug peddlers

Srinagar, May 11: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State General Secretary (Organisation) Jammu & Kashmir on Monday said no government can fully stop alcohol consumption through laws alone. He defended strict action against drug peddlers, including demolition and attachment of their properties, saying such measures are necessary to protect society and youth from the growing drug menace.

Speaking to reporters, Koul said awareness campaigns were essential to discourage alcohol and drug consumption, adding that legislation alone cannot completely end such practices.

“Yes, we don’t force anybody to consume alcohol,” Koul said while reacting to the ongoing debate over alcohol regulation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Backing the remarks of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the issue, the BJP leader said governments across the country have struggled to completely prohibit alcohol consumption through laws.

“There should be awareness to stop the 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.

Koul also reacted to remarks made by Minister Sakeena Itoo regarding demolition and attachment of properties linked to alleged drug peddlers. 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 fear and destroy our future,” he said.

On the issue of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Koul said it would be restored at “an appropriate time” as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.