Mahila Panthers protests against proposed move of opening new liquor shops

Jammu, June 26 (HS) Perturbed over the renewed attempts of the Govt to open additional liquor shops in J&K particularly in Jammu region, the Women’s Wing of the Panthers Party held a massive protest today.

The protestors raised slogans against the J&K administration and BJP cautioning them to refrain from initiating any such exercise in Jammu region.

Speaking to mediapersons, Mrs. Manju Singh, General Secretary-JKNPP disclosed that Excise and Taxation Department has proposed the opening of 116 liquor shops in Jammu region and sought the approval of the Finance Department vide its letter dated 16-06-2020. “And though the approval has yet not been given but there are reports that the proposal is under active consideration of the govt. And if these liquor vends are allowed in Jammu region, it would only invite disaster in view of already frayed tempers amongst the people of Jammu, especially the youth and women, against the govt.

The ever growing number of toll plazas has already sparked massive public outrage. There are 220 liquor vends in Jammu out of the total 224 existing liquor shops operating as on date. “The city of temples cannot be allowed to be converted into city of liquor vends and of toll plazas. The govt has to exercise due caution and restraint while taking policy decisions”, said Mrs. Manju Singh.