Etah (UP), Apr 1 Women in Uttar Pradesh's Kasaiganj district took to the streets on Wednesday against the proposed opening of a country liquor shop in their locality, alleging that "it could lead to antisocial activities in the area," police said.
The protest took place in the Gangeshwar Colony area along the Sarawati Shishu Mandir Road, where residents, particularly women, gathered in large numbers and raised slogans against the administration.
According to officials, the road blockade disrupted traffic for several hours.
Locals said they had been opposing the proposed liquor outlet as it is located between a residential neighbourhood and a route frequently used by children to go to school.
The women alleged that opening a liquor shop at the site would lead to an increase in anti-social activities and create an atmosphere of insecurity in the area.
They expressed concern over the safety of women and school-going girls, saying the route is used daily by residents and students, and opening a liquor shop would make it difficult for them to commute.
"The shop is being proposed on a road leading to a school, and it may adversely impact children," one of the protesters said.
"The agitation would continue until there is a clear assurance that the liquor shop licence is cancelled or the outlet is relocated," said another protester, Pallavi Bhardwaj.
The demonstrators asserted that they would not allow the liquor shop to open under any circumstances, calling it a matter of safety and the future of their children.
Upon receiving information about the protest, police personnel reached the spot and attempted to pacify the protesters.
Police Circle Officer Aanchal Chauhan said, "The matter is being examined, and a report will be sent to senior officials after taking into account the objections raised by locals for an appropriate decision."