Indian Airlines Colony Residents Stage Protest Against New Liquor Shop

Hyderabad: Residents, including children, of Indian Airlines Colony, took to the streets to protest the recent opening of a liquor shop and permit room in the vicinity.

The liquor shop had recently secured a licence during the recent tender, effective December 1. The decision to locate a permit room across the entrance of the colony has triggered discontent among the residents.

With over 400 families residing in Indian Airlines Colony, Padmanabha Colony, Surya Enclave, and Malani Colony, the additional traffic brought in by the liquor outlet has clogged the narrow approach road.

Residents said arguments had become a daily occurrence, as vehicles parked haphazardly impeded their access to the colonies. Women and children, in particular, are experiencing a growing sense of insecurity.

Residents said the setting up of the permit room across the road from the shop made matters worse. Residents fear that the shop staff and patrons crisscrossing the roads would intensify the challenges they face daily.

"We are living in a walking hell now, with women and children avoiding activities after 5 pm. Basic rights are being compromised, and children are restricted to their homes," one resident said, adding that they had raised a complaint with the police three days ago.

They demanded immediate police intervention and withdrawal of permission for the shop.