Dhubri residents protest new liquor shop near temples

Guwahati: Protesters have swarmed D.K. Road in Dhubri, Assam. They want the government to kill the licence for a new India-Made Foreign Liquor shop. The outlet sits right next to the Shamshan Kali Mandir, the Bhotnath Mandir, and a dense stretch of homes. It is a powder keg.

Residents and women’s groups are leading the charge. They fear the shop will bring anti-social behavior to their front doors. They worry for the safety of their children. Social activist Shimul Sarkar slammed the Excise Department for the approval. He claimed that the operation of the IMFL "ON" shop would create public nuisance in the locality and adversely affect social harmony.

Sarkar also pointed the finger at local resident Deepak Shah. He alleges Shah is the mastermind behind the licence push. Shah has yet to comment on these claims.

Ward Commissioner Pratima Choudhury Bin stepped in to stop it. She sent a formal request to the Dhubri District Commissioner to scrap the permit. She says the shop ruins the local quality of life and violates constitutional privacy rights. The district administration remains silent. No officials have responded to the outcry. The protests continue to block normal business on D.K. Road as the community waits for an answer.