Imagine a woman with her children going to the market to buy some household stuff and had to encounter drunkards passing lewd remarks, abusing each other and quarreling at the site. The scenario is common at many places in the Capital city, where a number of liquor shops have been opened in busy markets.
The liquor shop set up at Hatia market is highly criticized by residents around the area. Since other snacks and fast food corners are also established beside the liquor shop, it has emerged as hub for drunkards especially during the evening.
This situation has become really troublesome for the residents who happen to visit the local markets on a daily basis or are regular passersby, keeping women and children at utmost concern.
Richa, a Hatia resident, whose apartment is just a few steps away from the liquor shop, said that it is very common to see drunkards involved in loud arguments, fights and consuming alcohol right in their lane. She added that this is extremely disturbing and because of this she is not allowed to go out after 5 or 5:30 o’clock in the evening.
Another resident, Nisha, shared a horrifying incident about one of her friends, who was followed by drunkards at night. Sandhya Hemrom, a house helper marked the intensity of the problem by saying that she prefers to cross the road and walk on the other side rather than being stared at. She feels, it becomes even worse when the rush around the place increases on Saturdays and holidays. Annu and Rekha mentioned that even though they have not witnessed any such incidence but surely they feel unsafe and impatient while walking past the area and suggested that it would have been better if these shops were installed at some outskirts and not in the local areas.
Poonam, mother of a 12 year, said that she feels worried whenever her son goes out to buy stuffs from market. Tanmay Raj, a Hinoo resident said, “I have seen girls feeling conscious while passing around these shops.”
Locals said that the issue needs attention because returning from workplaces, tuition classes etc, going out for buying vegetables, groceries and for other day-to-day requirements are sure to occur and so will be the occurrence of this inconvenience near the liquor shop.