Kashmir Grand Mufti issues edict against hops cultivation

Released by News Blaze on 13 Jan, 2009:

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Jan 13: A day after the Indian liquor baron, Vijay Mallaya revealed his plan to revive the hops cultivation in Kashmir, the Grand Mufti of Kashmir issued an edict against it.

Reacting to the statement, the Grand Mufti of Kashmir, Mufti Bashir-ud-Din said "Setting up a liquor plant or even cultivation of hops is against Islam. The government should stop any such activity, otherwise there will be disastrous consequences awaiting the government".

While issuing the edi[c]t opposing the reviving of hosp cultivation in Kashmir, Grand Mufti of Kashmir said the youth would revolt against it as hops cultivation is against Islamic [Law]. "We will not allow any such cultivation and will oppose the project tooth and nail," he asserted.

Meanwhile, the Indian liquor baron's statement to revive the hops cultivation in Kashmir has drawn strong resentment from all quarters including the mainstream and separatist leaders.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.