SRINAGAR: Residents of Panthachowk in Srinagar on Friday staged a peaceful protest against the proposed opening of a new wine shop in the area, urging the administration to reconsider the decision.
The residents said the proposed wine shop was being set up in a predominantly residential locality and expressed concern over its potential social impact on the neighbourhood.
The residents further said the area houses several religious institutions, including mosques, and argued that opening a liquor outlet there would be inappropriate and contrary to the sentiments of the local population.
“We request the administration not to permit the opening of the wine shop in our locality. This is a residential area, and the presence of religious institutions nearby makes the proposed location unsuitable,” one of the protesters said.
Appealing to the Jammu and Kashmir Government to intervene, the residents said they had reposed faith in the present government with the expectation that public concerns would be addressed.
“We hope the government will take note of our genuine concerns and act in accordance with the aspirations of the local people,” the protesters said.
The demonstration remained peaceful, with participants urging the authorities to immediately review the decision and prevent the opening of the proposed liquor outlet in the area. (GNS)
