Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Apr 1: The Jammu -Pathankot National Highway was blocked by irate people at Dayala Chak and Chadwal today in protest against the opening of wine shops in the area.
The protesters including men, women and children squatted on the road protesting against the opening of wine shops in public localities after shifting them from National Highway.
The protesters said that for last two years they have been protesting against the same but the civil administration, Excise Department and police has been dodging them by not taking any action and removing the wine shops which were opened in public places in the two localities.
They said several times protests were held during the last two years but the authorities have always dodged them and now they will not allow this to happen and take present agitation to its logical conclusion.
They said that opening of wine shops near the residential area, school and temple will not be allowed at any cost as this will tell upon the future of the children and also create a public nuisance in the area.
They said while the wine shop in Dayala Chak area has been shifted near the school and temple and in Chadwal it has been shifted to a residential area in village Chapki by not paying attention to public sentiments.
The irate people blocked the NH for two and half hours this morning due to which there was a huge traffic jam on NH with commuters facing a tough time.
Later SDM Hiranagar Sohan Lal visited both the places of protest and assured the people that administration will take appropriate action in the matter. He said the district administration has not given the NOC and if the wine shop owners have violated the rules and opened shops without proper permission he will recommend cancellation of their licenses.
He said the issue will also be taken up with the Excise Department by him.
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