Barmeen villagers protest against opening of wine shop

Villagers protesting in Barmeen on Sunday.
Villagers protesting in Barmeen on Sunday.

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, May 12: Agitated over the opening of a wine shop in the area, locals of Barmeen held a strong protest demonstration, here today.
The protesting villagers, mostly women and led by Arti Sharma, ex BDC Chairperson, Block Ghordi, were demanding immediate closure of the wine shop, which is situated in the centre of Barmeen village. They alleged that the wine shop was creating nuisance in the village and threat to peace in the area.
Alleging that despite their opposition, the Excise Department was adamant on opening the wine shop in Barmeen, the villagers warned that the Excise Department would I be solely responsible for any law and order situation that arises due to the opening of the wine shop.
“If the decision to open the wine shop is not revoked, we along with 500 women will be forced to block the National Highway,” they warned, adding that there is already a wine shop in Ghordi, and opening another one in Barmeen will only lead to making youth addicted to alcohol.