Women shut down illegal liquor belt shops in Asifabad

Women in Kagaznagar mandal shut down illegal liquor belt shops in Chintaguda and Koyavagu villages, citing damage to family life due to alcohol addiction. They urged officials to act, after staging a protest at the Prohibition and Excise office in Kagaznagar.

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Women in Kagaznagar mandal launched a movement against illegal liquor belt shops on Sunday, shutting down outlets operating in Chintaguda and Koyavagu villages.

Angered by the proliferation of liquor shops in every street of the two villages adjoining the town, the women alleged that these outlets were wreaking havoc on their already struggling families. Easy availability of alcohol, they said, had led to rampant addiction among men, who were now neglecting their responsibilities and suffering health issues.

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They also pointed out that liquor was being sold freely in kirana stores, further aggravating the problem. Appealing to the authorities, the women urged immediate action to eliminate illegal liquor sales through belt shops and grocery outlets. They said that men earning meagre wages were spending their income on liquor, disrupting their families and livelihoods.

Earlier on Friday, the women staged a sit-in in front of the Prohibition and Excise department office in Kagaznagar, demanding firm steps to stop the illicit trade in Koyavagu and Chintaguda. Mild tension prevailed when police attempted to stop them from continuing the protest, leading to a confrontation.