Bhoiguda residents demand shifting of liquor shop

Hyderabad: Residents of several localities in Bhoiguda on Friday participated in an informal referendum on the issue of new wine shops in residential areas. The voting, organised by Hakku Initiative with an estimated total vote count of 1,000, received overwhelming response amid a series of protests in recent times, against the opening of a liquor outlet close to Gandhi hospital.

Residents of Jaya Durga and Jaya Lakshmi apartments have been opposing the outlet in their premises for two weeks.

Kota Neelima, who heads Hakku Initiative, said that the primary reason behind conducting the referendum was to allay the threat perception among citizens.

"People generally refrain from fighting in such cases fearing adverse circumstances if there is a backlash. To ensure no harm is done, we do not keep a record of the voters’ identity."

Despite our protests, the liquor shop began its operations, said Shirisha Allaparthi, joint-secretary of the resident welfare association. We have to keep fighting till the issue is resolved, she added. Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said she was astonished with the support received from residents of neighbouring areas. "People from Krishna Nagar participated in the voting and assured their support," she explained.