Women want liquor shop shifted, block Walled City road in protest

Jaipur: Scores of women from Govindrao Ji Ka Rasta blocked Chandpole Market Road and staged a demonstration Friday, urging the authorities to shut down a liquor outlet they alleged violates regulations for being within 150 metres of a temple.
"The shop is becoming a nuisance for residents here. There is movement of people purchasing liquor throughout the day, and they consume it right outside our houses, which makes it unsafe for girls and women. Cases of chain snatching have increased here in the past few weeks, and mobile phones are also being stolen, but no action is being taken," said Rekha Kunwal, a protester.
The women said complaints were lodged with police, councillors, the municipal corporation's office and even during a public hearing by the chief minister, but no action was taken. "We are forced to block the road and stage a protest because our grievance is not being heard. Our homes are becoming unsafe for us, but this shop is not being shifted from here," said Kusum Phalod, another protester.
The local traders' body also supported the protest and demanded that the liquor shop be removed from the market. Several local merchants showed solidarity with the cause by keeping their businesses shut during the protest.
"Jaipur is considered Choti Kashi, and there are several temples in the Walled City. This liquor shop is becoming a cause of concern for women's safety, and it violates the norms as it is within less than 200 metres from a temple. The authorities must relocate the shop," said Jaipur Vyapaar Mahasangh president Subhash Goyal.