People’s representatives from Doti have demanded the authorities to control the sales and consumption of liquor in the district. They have put pressure on the authorities to declare their local units an alcohol-free zone.

Ward chairman of KI Singh Rural Municipality-5 Ram Chandra Rana has proposed to control the sales and consumption of liquor in his ward. In the 4th village assembly held on Sunday, Rana said that alcohol abuse is the main cause of domestic violence and crimes in the society.

“By banning liquor, we can bring social order and harmony,” said Rana, adding that alcohol abuse has affected the development of the rural municipality. Majority of the representatives have supported the proposal.

However, Chairman of the KI Singh Rural Municipality Lokendra Shahi said that prohibiting the sale and consumption of liquor can be challenging. “It could only be done with the collaborative efforts of other local units,” said Shahi.

Ward chairman of KI Singh Rural Municipality-4 Jayalal Dhami said restriction on liquor sale cannot be fully implemented because of the black market.

Not only in KI Singh Rural Municipality, demand for banning liquor is also high in Dipayal Silgadhi Municipality and Shikhar Municipality. Manju Malasi, mayor of Dipayal Singadhi Municipality, said a majority of women are pressurising them to control the sales of liquor. “Society should be aware of the effects of alcohol abuse on an individual’s health, their family and the community,” said Malasi.

Joint Coordinator of District Coordination Committee Shashi Sop said alcohol abuse is the main cause of violence against women. Deputy Superintendent of Police Lal Bahadur Dhami said most of the cases of domestic violence have been reported because of alcohol consumption.

Though neighbouring district Achham was declared an alcohol-free zone, the prohibition has been lifted after a long dispute. Secretary of the Doti Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dipak Bahadur Khadka said more liquors are sold in the district than grains.

“All of the concerned stakeholders should unite to control the sales and consumption of liquor,” said Khadka.