Women from the area staged a strong protest against the liquor shop located in Shama, Bageshwar. Led by District Panchayat member Vijaya Koranga, the women blocked the shop and demanded its removal and immediate action from the administration.
A large number of women from Ratir-Kethi, Malkha-Dungarcha, Keemu, and Gogina villages joined the protest. They held placards, shouted anti-alcohol slogans, and marched to the headquarters.
The women allege that the liquor store is deteriorating the social environment of the area. They say that alcohol consumption at public events, open sales at the store, and gambling have increased, negatively impacting youth.
The protesting women warned that if the sale of alcohol and related illegal activities in the area were not curbed, they would be forced to launch a larger movement. They also proposed imposing fines of up to 25,000 rupees for consuming alcohol at social gatherings, selling alcohol in shops, and gambling.
District Panchayat member Vijaya Koranga said the demands of the women in the area were justified. She urged the administration to respect public sentiment and relocate the liquor shop to another location.
On this occasion, Area Panchayat member Pushpa Devi, Village Head Gogina Sanjay Kumar, Village Head representative Keemu Uttam Singh Danu along with members of Mahila Mangal Dals of four villages and a large number of rural women were present.