Srinagar: A complete shutdown was observed in Qazigund (gateway town of Kashmir Valley) in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district in protest against the opening of a liquor shop on Monday.
All the shops in the town were closed as locals have been demanding the immediate closure of the liquor shop.
“It will be a source of waywardness and give rise to moral corruption. The government claims to act tough against drug peddlers but allows wine shops to operate freely. This duality is evident,” a local resident said.
Another local resident stated that the opening of a liquor shop would have a counterproductive and disastrous impact on the youth.
“It’s crucial to keep the youth away from drugs and liquor instead of encouraging them to purchase and consume alcohol with government permission,” he emphasized.
Protests against the establishment of liquor shops in various parts of the Kashmir Valley have been witnessed in the past as well.
Recently, Muslims, Sikhs, and Pandits jointly staged a protest against the same issue in north Kashmir’s Uri, which led the administration to close down the liquor shop.
(KNT)
