Women protest liquor sale in Bageshwar, Chaukhutia villages

Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, July 28

Women of Aare village in Bageshwar today held a protest at the district headquarters against illegal mining and liquor menace. They said anti-social elements were involved in illegal mining on the Saryu riverbed, endangering the lives of villagers as it would make the nearby areas prone to landslides. Liquor is destroying the lives of villagers, especially youths. 

Parvati Devi, who led the demonstration, said, “We have warned the district administration of intensifying our protest in case action is not taken on our demands. Aare village faces the threat of landslides as illegal mining on the Saryu riverbed is continuing unabated. Rampant sale of liquor by the mafia is ruining the youths.”

Meanwhile, another protest was held in Chaukhutia subdivision of Almora district. Women from nearby villages, under the banner of the Palayan Roko, Nasha Hatao, Pahaar Bachao, held the rally against the government apathy towards curbing the liquor menace as well as saving agriculture from wild animals. 

The rally moved from the Khirchaura temple to Krantivir   Chauraha  in Bhikisdain   town. Protesters said the government should look into the issue of migration from hilly areas, threat to crops from wild animals and ban liquor sale in villages.

Pramod Nainwal, who led the rally, said if the government takes effective steps on the three issues, the state would become an agrarian region.