Srinagar, May 12, KNT: Renowned religious scholar and preacher Maulana Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri on Tuesday strongly criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his recent remarks concerning liquor shops in Jammu and Kashmir, describing the statement as “regrettable” and “irresponsible.”

Addressing students during a function at a private school, Veeri said it was unfortunate that a person holding the office of Chief Minister had made such remarks on a socially and religiously sensitive issue.

He was reacting to Omar Abdullah’s recent statement that the government was not forcing people to visit liquor shops and that those who do not consume alcohol would not begin drinking merely because liquor outlets exist.

“It is a very unfortunate and irresponsible statement from a person like the Chief Minister,” Veeri said while addressing the gathering.

The scholar further alleged that the remarks reflected the “mindset and mentality” of the political leadership on the issue.  [KNT]