BHOPAL: Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Tuesday staged a protest in Bhopal, demanding the removal of a liquor shop located near a girls’ college, alleging that it posed a threat to students’ safety and affected the academic environment.
A large number of students gathered at a major intersection carrying banners and placards and raised slogans against the State government and the administration. Protesters argued that educational institutions should not have liquor outlets operating in their vicinity.
Police personnel were deployed in large numbers and barricades were erected to prevent demonstrators from moving towards the liquor shop. Some students climbed the barricades during the protest, though the situation remained under control.
District officials later met the protesters and assured them that the matter would be examined in accordance with the law. Officials said the location of the liquor outlet and its compliance with prescribed norms would be reviewed before a decision was taken.
Following the assurance, the protesters called off their agitation. However, student leaders warned that they would resume their protest if no action was taken within the time frame indicated by the administration.
The student organisation has been raising the issue for nearly a year through representations and memorandums. During the protest, demonstrators also sought improved security measures in the area, including the installation of CCTV cameras, safer pedestrian infrastructure and the removal of liquor outlets operating near educational institutions.
Officials said the matter was under consideration and that any decision would be taken after completing the required legal and administrative procedures.
