Hundreds of tribal residents from Hemgir block staged a mass protest outside the District Collector’s office, demanding immediate closure of a country liquor unit in Laikera village.
The agitation intensified as villagers blocked the main gate and launched a sit-in demonstration, raising slogans such as “We want education, not alcohol” and “Disrespect to Gram Sabha will not be tolerated.”
The protest began with a march from the Women’s Welfare Centre to the Collector’s office. Villagers accused the administration of ignoring a unanimous Gram Sabha resolution dated February 12 that opposed renewal of the liquor unit. They alleged that officials falsely recorded the proposal as approved, allowing the liquor unit owner to construct a facility in Laikera despite strong opposition.
Residents recalled that a branch outlet earlier operated in Gopalpur but was shifted due to mining displacement. They insisted that in Scheduled Areas, Gram Sabha approval is legally mandatory for such establishments. Villagers claimed the Excise Department is attempting to renew the license by collecting signatures door-to-door, sparking anger among the community.
Protesters demanded a written assurance that the liquor unit will not be renewed against the Gram Sabha’s decision. Despite assurances from the District Collector that the matter would be discussed, villagers refused to withdraw their agitation. They warned that the sit-in would continue indefinitely until their demands were met.
