Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad saw a Gen Alpha-led protest on Tuesday, as school students took the lead in demanding the removal of a liquor shop operating near their school. A large number of students, joined by local residents, gathered outside the outlet, forced it to close and staged a sit-in protest. Carrying placards, the students raised slogans calling for the shop’s removal.
District Magistrate Dr Rajendra Pensiya reached the spot after being informed about the demonstration and spoke with the students and local residents. Residents said the liquor shop creates difficulties for students travelling to and from school, and they have been demanding its relocation for a long time.
Before Tuesday’s protest, women from the area had also come together on August 2 to oppose the liquor shop and seek its removal.
Following the initial protests by locals, the Excise Department had cited regulations to maintain that the shop was operating lawfully.
The department had also pointed out that the school in question was established
after the liquor shop. Despite this, residents gave the administration a 15-day deadline, warning of further protests if no action was taken.
When the deadline passed, residents gathered again on Tuesday. This time, school students participated enthusiastically, staging a sit-in protest in front of the liquor shop and raising slogans demanding its removal.
Upon learning about the students' protest, District Magistrate Dr. Rajendra Pensiya reached the spot along with a team of officials. He met with the protesting students and local residents and listened to their concerns regarding the liquor shop.
The DM told the students that they are the future of the nation and urged them to remain focused on their studies without worrying about the issue. He assured them that the administration would take appropriate action regarding their concerns.
After the DM’s assurance, the students and residents called off the protest. However, the protesters warned that they would stage another protest if the liquor shop was not removed within 15 days.