Illegal liquor sale rises months after DC action

SHILLONG: Illicit liquor sale on Urkaliar, Nongmensong and Demseniong road continues unabated even after action taken by the district administration a few months ago. Residents here are mulling legal course if their grievances are not addressed.
Locals say though the once brisk business was brought under control after strict vigil in the area the situation has gone back to square one.
“If one goes by the situation, it seems that there will be more liquor shops than ration shops,” a resident said.
Stating that there is complete violation of norms and regulations in the area, residents urged that the District Administration must take cognizance of the matter. “When magistrates were deployed in the area, the situation was normal but now illicit liquor business is on the rise again,” residents said and added that people continue to sell liquor on the road.
The locals said they are contemplating approaching the court if their concerns are not addressed.
East Khasi Hills SP M. Kharkrang said police have been conducting regular raids in the area.
On the other hand, DC P.S Dkhar said the residents can approach him if they have any complain and promised necessary action.
Earlier this year, a Joint Action Committee comprising 11 schools in the areas had expressed its concerns over the sale of illicit liquor on Urkaliar, Nongmensong and Demseniong road. The committee had sought the DC’s intervention, besides submitting a memorandum to the East Khasi Hills SP and the DC on the matter.