Sundargarh Villagers Lay Siege to Collector’s Office Over Liquor Unit

Hundreds of tribal villagers from Hemgir block staged a mass protest outside the Sundargarh District Collector’s office, demanding immediate closure of a country liquor unit in Laikera village.

Chanting slogans such as “We want education, not alcohol”, the demonstrators accused officials of ignoring a unanimous Gram Sabha resolution passed on February 12 opposing the unit.

Protesters alleged that records were falsified to show approval, while the Excise Department attempted to bypass legal requirements by collecting signatures door‑to‑door.

In Scheduled Areas, Gram Sabha consent is mandatory for such establishments.

The District Collector assured that the matter would be discussed, but villagers refused to disperse, insisting on a written assurance that the liquor unit would not be renewed.

They warned that the sit‑in would continue indefinitely until their demands were met.