Local people are vehemently opposing opening a licensed Country Liquor Shop in a crowded area in Kailashahar under Unokoti district in Tripura. Strong resentment among people is brewing over setting up the Country liquor shop at Hawkers’ Corner Area in Kailashahar.
Locals alleged, license was given to set up a Country liquor shop within 200 meters of crowded market, residential areas and adjacent to a temple. “Apart from market and residential areas, there are a temple and school within 200-meter periphery of the liquor shop”, one of residents Amalendu Roy said.
Detailing further, Roy said, “It appears intriguing as to how the administration allotted license for opening country liquor shop within 50-70 meter distance of one of the traditional temples in Kailashahar – ‘Netai er Akhra’. Besides, there is an office of Pensioner Association where senior citizens assemble almost regularly and there is also RK Mahavidyalaya”.
Roy argued that a 200-meter distance from markets, schools etc are mandatory. He alleged, in this case, 200-meter norm was grossly violated.
Opening Liquor shop in a busy and crowded place like Hawkers’ corner where students, elders, devotees and common people roam around has sparked resentment among the locals.
Vehemently opposing the decision, local people submitted a deputation to the Unakoti DM and urged him to consider sentiment of locals and shift the shop to some secluded or at least, in less crowded areas.
They submitted the letter on June 22 last and hoping that administration would positively respond to the plea of local people.
“We firmly believe that the administration would be sensitive enough to gauge public sentiment. Moreover, as the Liquor shop is near an educational institution, administration should take step to relocate the shop elsewhere to prevent possibility of spoiling future of our lads”, local people said.
Pinning hope with cross-fingers, local people have fixed their eyes on the DM and waiting for a positive response.
