Village Residents Rally Against Liquor Vend in Tarn Taran Market
In a significant community-led movement, residents of Dhotian village in Tarn Taran district have launched a protest against the local administration over the establishment of a liquor vend in their market area. The issue has galvanized widespread opposition, with key figures from the village panchayat, social activists, and former leaders uniting to demand immediate action.
Formal Complaint Submitted to Authorities
Today, a delegation comprising social worker Ravinder Singh Gill, former Sarpanch Ranjit Singh Rana, international coach Saroop Singh Dhotian, Chairman Paramjit Singh, Numbardar Kawaljit Singh, and Kulwant Singh, leader of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC), among others, formally submitted a letter to the Deputy Commissioner. The document outlines their grievances and calls for the removal of the liquor vend from the market premises.
Safety and Historical Concerns Raised
The villagers have expressed deep concerns about the negative impact of the liquor vend on daily life. They report that the market area becomes excessively crowded throughout the day, deterring women and children from visiting for essential tasks. Additionally, residents highlight that Dhotian is a historical town where liquor vends were prohibited during British rule, adding a cultural dimension to their protest.
Incidents of public disturbances, including quarrels among individuals consuming alcohol from the vend at night, have been cited as detrimental to the village's social fabric. The community warns that these issues could escalate if the administration fails to address their demands promptly.
Administrative Response Awaited
Efforts to reach Tarn Taran Deputy Commissioner Rahul for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages via mobile and WhatsApp went unanswered. Similarly, Inderjit Singh Sehjra, the Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO), did not respond to inquiries. The lack of communication has fueled frustration among residents, who feel their concerns are being overlooked.
Threat of Escalated Protests
Local residents have issued a stern warning, stating that if the liquor vend is not removed from the market, they will be compelled to organize larger-scale protests against the administration. This potential escalation underscores the urgency of the situation and the community's determination to safeguard their environment.
The protest in Dhotian village reflects broader issues of public safety and community welfare in rural Punjab, highlighting the ongoing tensions between commercial interests and local well-being.
