Many Muslims take pledge not to consume liquor

Kasba (Purnia): Despite the Quran prohibiting consumption of any intoxicating substance, some Muslims have got addicted to alcohol in the past. But now, with the awareness campaign launched as part of CM Nitish Kumar's initiative to enforce prohibition, some Muslims have taken a pledge not to ever touch alcohol.
The Hajrat Badiuddin Jinda Shah Dargah Shareef committee of Kasba has identified Muslim men who got addicted to alcohol over the years.Mohammed Irfan Kamil, secretary of the committee, said, "Nearly 15 people have taken oath in front of the administration's senior officials and the dargah committee that they will never touch alcohol again."
He added, "All alcohol-addicted Muslim are very religious at heart and they come to the dargah regularly to offer namaz. We welcome the CM's decision, for at least these people will not consume alcohol for the fear of law." With partial liquor ban coming into effect from April 1, those engaged in liquor trade are now looking for alternative jobs. Lal Mochi of Kasba, who had a licensed country liquor shop, has requested Purnia DM Pankaj Kumar Pal for small loan to start a new business of selling vegetables.
"We are trying to facilitate milk parlours at the liquor shops, as well as trying to provide small loans so that (liquor) sellers can start some other small business," DM Pal said.