Jaipur, Feb 16 (IANS) Liquor traders across Jaipur on Monday shut their shops and staged a protest outside the Excise Office in Jhalana, demanding an extension in liquor sale timings and an end to what they described as unwarranted police harassment.
The strike received a mixed response in the city, with the majority of liquor vendors supporting the protest, while a few establishments initially remained open before being persuaded to shut down by office-bearers of the traders’ body.
Hundreds of traders gathered under the banner of the Raj Liquor Welfare Society and marched to the Excise Office during the day.
The protest was primarily directed against the state government’s new excise policy, particularly the proposed 12.5 per cent increase in liquor sales targets.
Society President Nilesh Mewara alleged that while the government had raised the sales target, it had failed to extend liquor sale hours as previously promised, placing additional pressure on traders.
A delegation of the protesting traders met District Excise Officer Mahipal Singh and submitted a memorandum outlining their demands and grievances.
The memorandum highlighted concerns over increased financial targets and alleged harassment by local police personnel during routine checks. Later, another delegation met Excise Commissioner Shivprakash Nakate at the Secretariat.
According to traders present at the meeting, the Commissioner assured them that their demands would be considered positively after discussions at the government level.
He also promised to immediately speak with senior police officials regarding complaints of harassment.
Following the Commissioner’s intervention and reported assurances from police authorities, the traders decided to call off the protest.
Liquor shops across Jaipur began reopening around 2 p.m., restoring normal business operations in the city.
–IANS
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