 Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 22: Holding protest outside the office of Excise Commissioner at Rail Head Complex, the Jammu Wine Traders Association (JWTA) demanded continuation of existing Excise Policy, preventing the monopoly of liquor mafia of other states in J&K. Addressing media persons outside the Excise Commissioner office, the JWTA members said that the dialogue with the Excise Commissioner was going on, but it seems that they would get nothing out of it.
“A major nexus from outside the J&K is desperate to snatch our livelihood under the grab of new excise policy. At a time when the private sector in J&K is shrinking, the implementation of new excise policy will take away employment of thousands of persons”, they said.
“We know that someone is digging our graves to meet his/her greed. We helpless and on receiving end appeal to Lt. Guv. Manoj Sinha headed the J & K administration to save us. We trust him and know that Sinha saab is a very honest and upright leader. But, some vested interests on the basis of concocted stories leaving no stone unturned to implement new excise policy”, they said, adding that the Ahata system like Punjab would spoil the Bars industry in Jammu and also affect the social setup of J&K. “In J&K people avoid drinking openly, our youths respect elders, once Ahatas start functioning. It will certainly affect our social set-up”, they said.
They further said that the allegations of pilferage alcohol in manufacturing of wine in J&K. “There are rules and regulations in place, nobody can indulge in malpractice. As the excise department keeps a regular check-up on supply and consumption of alcohol in factories”, they said.
The JWTA member further alleged someone has misled the government about the issue. “We appeal to Lt. Guv. Manoj Sinha to kindly intervene and same the local industries. Over 1500 people of J&K will last their livelihood, if the new policy comes in existence”, they said. |
