Subadh Kumar Nayak

Paralakhemundi: A large number of locals including women met Gajapati district collector Anupam Saha today and demanded cancelation of the license of a proposed liquor shop near Jangam Sahi in Paralakhemundi.

The residents of Jangam Sahi met the district collector and submitted a memorandum flagging concerns that opening of a liquor shop at the proposed location would cause law and order situation in the area. Besides, they claimed that a temple is also near the site chosen for the proposed liquor shop.

"We are protesting establishment of a liquor shop. Apart from a temple and a bus terminal, there are several hospitals near the proposed site. We will continue our protest till our demand is not fulfilled," said Kishore Chandra Parichha, a local resident.

"We request the district administration not to allow a liquor shop in the area or else we will intensify our protest. We will vandalise the shop," threatened G.V Ravana, Gajapati district president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The district collector, on the other hand, said that he would review the situation and take appropriate steps in this regard. "We have received objections. We are looking into the matter and will take action as per the law and norms of the Excise department," he informed.

scrollToTop