SRINAGAR, May 12 -- Hours after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 liquor shops near religious places, educational institutions, and bus stands, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday urged the National Conference-led government to follow suit, saying the "blame game" on the issue must end.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, who took oath just two days prior, ordered the crackdown on retail vends located in sensitive zones, a move Apni Party chief described as "true public leadership." He noted that the decision came despite liquor sales forming a major share of Tamil Nadu's state revenue.

"This is how true public representatives use power to serve society with courage and sincerity. Joseph Vija...