Around 50 agitators took to streets and blocked traffic at the Hall Gate Chowk, on Monday, to protest the opening of a liquor vend near the Durgiana Temple complex. Residents of Hindustani Basti and members of the Independent Student Federation (ISF) blocked the entry of vehicles into Hall Bazaar.
Keshav Kohli, ISF president, said, “The vend opened two months back. I had submitted a representation to the excise department to get the vend shut but to no avail. I even sat on a hunger strike. We will not tolerate this inappropriate act.”
Protesters said they heavily objected to the opening of the vend near the temple complex. The vend has come up close to the Shivpuri cremation ground, that is part of the complex and is managed by the Durgiana Temple committee. However, despite earlier objections the administration has failed to take note.
The protesters, who had earlier sat in a dharna in front of the vend, raised slogans against the government. The protest was peaceful, with little police interference. Members of ISF stated that if their demands were not met, they would start the agitation once again.
Taking note of the issue, deputy commissioner Varun Roojam said, “I have taken the situation into account. I have also asked the excise department to look into any violation of policy by the vend owners and submit a report as soon as possible.”
{{/usCountry}}Taking note of the issue, deputy commissioner Varun Roojam said, “I have taken the situation into account. I have also asked the excise department to look into any violation of policy by the vend owners and submit a report as soon as possible.”
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