The residents of Dyalpura village, near Zirakpur, are up in arms against the recently-opened wine shop in the village that is reportedly in close proximity to a government school and other religious places.

The Punjab State Human Rights Commission has called for a report from the Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Punjab, as well as deputy commissioners of Mohali and Patiala before June 26, following which it will take up the case for hearing.

It is pertinent to point out that the law prohibits the setting up of wine shops near residential areas, schools and religious places.

Village Sarpanch Baljeet Singh and Government Senior Secondary School Principal, Bakshi Ram, along with other villagers alleged that the vend is in close proximity to the school and other religious places like Guga Marhi Mandir and a village temple.

The villagers claim that drunkards create nuisance near schools and religious places, and often pass lewd remarks to women.

The villagers had appealed to the deputy commissioner and Excise department officials seeking a redressal of their grievance, but no action was allegedly taken.  

Asking for an immediate relocation of the wine shop, the villagers have threatened to launch mass public protests, if their demand is not met.

Talking to Newsline, Mohali Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner Baldeep Kaur said the department is conducting investigations and will soon arrive at a decision.