|| WANI JAVID
People of South Kashmir are worried due to open sale of illicit liquor in broad day light in the area. This is so despite tall claims of the state dispensation of putting lid over such crises on ground. According to sources, illicit and country made liquor is openly served at various locations at Anantnag,Pulwama, Kulgam and other areas itself, that too, when the district authorities claim to be taking all measures for ensuring no illicit liquor and drugs are sold in the areas. This results in drunken persons gathering which is also being seen as a security concern, in particular for women residing in the area.
It also leads to brawls very often making it very tough for the residents of the entire localities. On condition of anonymity, a youth residing in that locality told Kashmir Leader correspondent that the residents of this area have overcome fear to unite against the people behind this illegal business and requested the authorities to check the menace. Another lady residing in the area said that as early as 5:00 am in the morning the business of serving of illicit liquor starts and it continues till late into the night making the area unsafe for us. Such places are often visited by people with criminal bent of mind and is also one of the reasons behind the increase in the crime rate of the town, claimed sources. It must be mentioned that sale of liquor without license is a serious offence. Despite the presence of excise department, district administration and police the unabated sale and serving of illicit liquor in the heart of the town has raised several questions.
“It is become a big menace in the entire area. We need to look into it more seriously. Our youth are falling prey to it and the government isn’t doing anything at all,” said Ghulam Mohammad Khan, a senior resident of the area. Others who seconded his views told Kashmir Leader that not only the illicit liquor but also drugs are on sale in the markets, hence tarnishing the very future of the youth at the very dreadful speed. The locals said that though the issue has been raised several times before the concerned authorities but till date there has been no major crackdown witnessed against the culprits. While demanding immediate and effective action on ground, the locals said that they would be coerced by the circumstances to take to the streets if the government fails to rein in such immoral activities in Anantnag.
“We want the government to act tough against the liquor and drug smugglers. The police has to stop such practices and it is going to be a major relief for the entire populace if the area gets rid of such a menace,” said a local student Arif Ahmad. A ray of hope becomes visible: The encouraging scenes against the drug menace were seen on April 24, when a peace march and temporary shutdown was carried out by different sects of the society in the Seer Hamdan village of this south Kashmir district Anantnag, under the banner of Civil Society Seer hamdan.
The locals said that though the issue has been raised several times before the concerned authorities but till date there has been no major crackdown witnessed against the culprits.
The march was participated by hundreds of people which include members of religious organization and senior citizens, youth and the local residents of the area. The march passed through various inner roads of the locality and were chanting the slogans against the drug abuse. The participants were holding the banners, posters reading the verses against the drug menace & immodesty.
While demanding immediate and effective action on ground, the locals said that they would be coerced by the circumstances to take to the streets if the government fails to rein in such immoral activities in Anantnag.
The civil society requested the district administration & police authorities to work against the drug abuse and social evils and warned the people involved in such activities, of social boycott. District administration and police authorities have appreciated the move of the people & civil society of seer hamdan and have assured their full support in curbing the such social evils. It is worth to note here that all the religious sects participated in the march which broadly include Hanfies, Ahl Hadeeths, Jamiat Islami etc.
We want the government to act tough against the liquor and drug smugglers. The police has to stop such practices and it is going to be a major relief for the entire populace if the area gets rid of such a menace.
