Road blockade demanding closure of liquor units in Balangir

Balangir: People in large number have been taking to the streets to protest against liquor shops functioning in their locality in the recent past.
Tuesday saw residents of Bubei village under Puintala block in Balangir district resorting to a road blockade on NH-57 demanding immediate closure of liquor units. Raising slogans against the district administration, the agitators said they would not allow any liquor shop to function in the locality.
“These outlets in the area are promoting criminal activities and adversely affecting the youth. Despite repeated requests to shift these shops from our locality, no action has been initiated by the officials concerned,” said one of the agitators alleged.
The blockade was lifted after police intervened and assured the agitators that they would look into their demand. Traffic on the national highway was completely crippled for hours following the protest.