Team Herald
VALPOI: A team of police has been deployed in Surla village, Sattari to avert any untoward incident as a result of the North Goa Collector’s order to close all eight liquor stores in the village from July 20 to August 20.
Law enforcement agencies anticipated tension in the village after the residents of Surla remained adamant on the permanent closure of liquor stores due to the alleged nuisance created by unruly visitors who flock to the waterfalls in the village.
The issue even dominated the Surla gram sabha on Sunday, wherein a resolution was passed to permanently shut down the liquor stores.
When contacted, Valpoi Police Inspector Shivram Vaigankar said a police team has been posted in Surla village.
“Responding to concerns from many villagers, a police team has been deployed to prevent law and order problem. The police team will remain there till the situation normalises,” PI Vaigankar said.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that the affected liquor store owners have met Goa Liquor Trade Union president Dattaprasad Naik to seek justice, following the closure of their businesses in the village. However, the outcome of the meeting is not known.
When contacted, Dongurli Thane Sarpanch Sarita Gaonkar said the minutes of the Sunday gram sabha would be discussed at the next panchayat meeting. “After the issue is discussed in the panchayat meeting, a report will be submitted to the government for further action,” she said.
