KL NEWS NETWORK
POONCH
Dozens of residents of Mendhar area of Poonch district Wednesday staged massive protests against the presence of various liquor shops and Bars and urged authorities to immediately them.
According to Srinagar-based news agency GNS, the Muslim residents of Dargaloon, Mendhar, Balakoke and other adjoining areas today morning blocked the road leading to Jammu from 10 to 12 pm and staged protests against the presence of Shah Bar and Restaurant.
The residents said that the Bar – where liquor is served – is a source of nuisance for them since their children including girls pass through the area. They said that the majority of population in Mendhar is of Muslims and it is prohibited for a Muslim even to go near to the wine.
The Bar has been opened just a week ago and has no legal permission. Following the strong protests against district and Tehsil administration, the top officials rushed to the spot to pacify the protesters.
The Naib Tehsildar Ishfaq Ahmad assured the protesters that he will take up the matter with higher authorities. After the official assurance, the protesters dispersed peacefully.
Later, the top police and civil officials held a meet with local Sarpanchs over the issue. The Naib Tehsildar, on the directions of DC Poonch, sealed the Bar as the owner failed to produce legal documents.
Following the first protest, the people of Mendhar Town led by Maulana Muhammad Sultan Naqashbandi took out another protest rally against the presence of Balram Bar and Restaurant and demanded that the Bar should be immediately sealed.
The protesters gave an ultimatum to government till Friday and threatened of intensified agitation. The locals also demanded closure of a wine shop in the Mendhar.
