SRINAGAR — Young people from Dalgate and Sonwara areas of Srinagar city Monday staged a peaceful protest demanding closure of all liquor shops on the tourist hub Boulevard Road and Sonwar.
The protesting youth were carrying placards seeking an end to drugs and wine shops in Kashmir. The placards read: ‘We Won’t Allow Outsiders To Disturb Peace’, Close Down Liquor Shops.’
The protesters who assembled at Press Enclave Srinagar said Government wants to make the abode of saints a liquor hub by granting licenses for sale of liquor.
One of the protesters told news agency Kashmir News Trust that drunkards have created nuisance in Dalgate and Sonwar areas.
“We appeal to the government to think about the future of Kashmir and Kashmiri people. You are claiming to wage a war against drugs but allowing liquor shops to function normally,” he said.
He said drunkards create scenes on daily basis, making the movement of our womenfolk difficult.
“Please stop this liquor trade. Liquor and drugs have destroyed the lives of Kashmiri youth. This menace has triggered suicides in Valley. It is the responsibility of the government to close liquor business in Kashmir,” they said. — (KNT)