PONDA: The locals of Appewal (ward 11) on Monday went on hunger strike in front of the Veling Priol panchayat office protesting the licence granted to a liquor shop in a residential area despite their opposition.
Locals alleged that the illegal liquor shop in their ward that too in a residential area is causing nuisance to locals and the youth have been taking to liquor consumption.
The locals alleged that some government department and officials have been hand in glove with liquor shop owners, who are encouraging and issuing licences despite submitting several objection letters. They said responsibility should be fixed and erring officials should be punished. Not only excise but the other concerned authorities have failed to initiate action, which has forced us to go on a hunger strike.
They claimed that the illegal liquor shop operating in a residential area is proving to be a nuisance as vehicles are parked in a haphazard manner.
The locals further said that since the past two years they are opposing to liquor shops in interest of local youth. The villagers demanded that the shop be closed permanently.
The copies of memorandum have been forwarded to Chief Minister of Goa, Deputy Collector North Goa, Police Station, BDO, Directorate of Panchayat and Directorate of Excise, Panjim.
Meanwhile, the locals withdrew their strike temporarily as the Sarpanch Mangaldas Gaude, assured to write to the concerned authorities to revoke the licence if any given by them to any person to run liquor shop despite locals’ opposition.
He said that panchayat has not given any permission to the liquor shop.
He said a decision will be taken at a special meeting scheduled on July 6 with regards to the illegal liquor.
