Residents from the Awadhpuri area are the latest to join a growing chorus against liquor vends in residential neighbourhoods, with protesters staging a sit-in on Sunday night and promising to follow it up with a recitation of the Ramayana on Monday.

Residents in several localities have held protests against the opening of new liquor shops near schools, temples, and hospitals. Demonstrations have spread across Awadhpuri, Malviya Nagar, and Semra Gate.

In Awadhpuri, locals rallied at Rishipuram Tri-junction, staging a sit-in protest on Sunday night. On Monday, they recited the Ramayana, hoping to inspire wisdom in shop owners.

Women and children joined the protests, citing the shop’s proximity to a temple, school, hospital, and bus stop. Despite objections, the shop is set to open.

Protesters met with Minister Krishna Gaur, urging action. Raman Tiwari emphasised the need for relocation as crowds gathered in solidarity at the site.

In Malviya Nagar, women protested against a new shop near a legislator’s rest house and Birla Temple. They met with Mayor Malti Rai, demanding that the shop be shifted.

At Bawadia Kalan Chowk, residents opposed a shop opening just 50 metres from a hospital and temple. They argued that it violates rules and threatens community harmony.

In Sai Ram Colony, women also protested, citing disturbances from nearby liquor shops. Despite complaints, officials have only offered assurances.

Residents from surrounding areas face daily issues with drunken behaviour. Protests continue, with demands for the immediate relocation of these shops, which were allotted by the excise department during the recently concluded auctions that licensed the sale of liquor in the city.