Mehraj Malik’s Remarks on Liquor Consumption Spark Protests Across Jammu
AAP MLA Mehraj Malik’s controversial remarks allegedly linking Hindus to liquor consumption have triggered widespread protests across Jammu. Addressing reporters outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Malik stated, “They (Hindus) will not close down liquor shops because they drink during festivals and marriages too. They are addicted to it.”
The remarks sparked outrage, with groups such as the Dogra Front, Shiv Sena, VHP, Bajrang Dal, and other social organizations staging demonstrations at multiple locations. Protesters demanded an apology, accusing Malik of hurting the sentiments of Hindus. In Kathua, BJP workers burned Malik’s effigy and raised slogans against him and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. Similar protests were held in Kishtwar and Udhampur by organizations like Sanatan Dharam Sabha and Hindu Sangathan.
Dogra Front Shiv Sena president Ashok Gupta condemned the remarks, calling them “shameful” and demanding an apology. BJP leaders also criticized Malik’s comments, labeling them as “anti-Hindu behavior.”
Following the backlash, Speaker Mubarak Gul expunged Malik’s remarks from the Assembly records. Malik later issued an apology, stating, “Everyone, including Hindus and Muslims, drinks liquor, some openly and some behind curtains. If my remarks have disturbed anyone, I apologise. I have no intention of hurting anyone’s feelings.”
Mehraj Malik, the lone AAP MLA in Jammu and Kashmir, represents the Doda constituency. His victory in the 2024 Assembly elections marked AAP’s entry into the region’s legislative assembly.
