Srinagar, Feb 22 (Reporter) Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday launched a signature campaign to demand an alcohol ban in Jammu and Kashmir. The campaign was launched by PDP leader Iltija Mufti at the party's main office in Srinagar. On Saturday, security was heightened outside the PDP office. Iltija, after launching the signature campaign, said that this aims to garner public support ahead of the upcoming J&K Assembly session in March, where PDP MLA Fayaz Mir has submitted a bill seeking a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol. “Drugs and alcohol are spreading like wildfire in J&K, particularly among the youth. This is not a political issue but a social one that requires immediate action,” she told reporters at the function. Iltija said the number of liquor stores in J&K has significantly increased in the last four to five years, making alcohol easily accessible. “Alcohol is leading to moral and social degradation, and it must be banned,” she added. Iltija also appealed to other political parties to support the bill on the alcohol ban submitted by the PDP lawmaker in the J&K Assembly. “I hope that the rest of the parties, including NC (National Conference), PC (Peoples Conference), and BJP, come forward and support us. This is not a political issue but a social issue, “ the PDP leader said. “This (ban) is about protecting our youth and future generations. Just like Bihar, Gujarat, and Nagaland, J&K should also be made alcohol-free, and it has nothing to do with tourism,” she added. The PDP leader hoped that the people of Jammu and Kashmir stand with us on the issue of banning alcohol. “With the signature campaign, we are trying to mobilise support,” she said...////...