Bajhang is poised for the title of liquor-free district as part of its bid to evolve into a model district of Nepal.

Since a long time, intellectuals, social campaigners and women activists have demanded banning all kinds of alcoholic drinks in the district. Activists say alcohol abuse is the main cause of domestic violence and other unlawful activities under its influence.

On Friday, a meeting of the District Assembly decided to ban all kinds of alcoholic beverages from September 17. All stakeholders, the federal parliament, provincial lawmakers, the representatives of District Coordination Committee (DCC) and local units among other chiefs of government offices attended the meeting.

“The residents of Bajhang have been demanding to ban the sale and consumption of liquor since a long time. Now, we have declared the district as ‘liquor-free Bajhang’. I hope that all of the stakeholders will help us in stopping sale and consumption of alcohol,” said chief of the DCC Khadga Bahadur Khadka.

All welcomed the decision of the District Assembly.

Women Right’s Forum Chairperson Jayanti Joshi said the development of the district is not possible without the alcohol prohibition.

 “Consumption of alcohol is the main cause of domestic violence and social crimes. It hinders social, economic and human development,” she said.

Bajhang Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Dan Bahadur Sumargi said they will not agree if the local administration allows their near ones to sell liquor. “In the past, we have seen such practices,” said Sumargi.

According to the data of the District Police Office (DPO), 141 cases of violence against women were reported in the district in the last fiscal year.

DPO Women’s Cell Chief Bagmati Dhami said alcohol abuse is the main cause of domestic violence. “Women and children would be safer and happy if alcohol ban is implemented,” she said.