The Assam State Commission for Women has expressed deep reservation against the liberal policy adopted by the state in issuing licences to wine shops and bars.
According to commission chairperson Meera Barooah, petitions were earlier sent to the excise department and other state government authorities to check the growing number of countrymade liquor dens.
Barooah was in the city to attend the two-day regional conference on achieving convergence for empowerment of women of the Northeast.
“We would again approach the state government with a petition to tackle the increasing number of India-made foreign liquor wine stores and bars in the state. We will also ask the government to have a re-look into its policy.”
Moreover, Barooah said at present, domestic violence was the biggest concern for women of the state and alcohol addiction among men was the main reason behind it.
She also said many victims and their families were reluctant to report domestic violence cases to police. “We are trying to do away with this depressing trend by creating more awareness.”
Monideepa Borkotoky, a member of the commission, drew attention to women trafficking saying the commission was trying to work with various agencies to tackle the crime.
Echoing similar views, Meghalaya State Commission for Women chairperson Roshan Warjri said, “We have been in the commission for the past two months only, but I am shocked by the innumerable complaints we have received. So many deserted women come to us seeking alimony from their husbands.”
She said various measures have to be adopted to fight against burgeoning alcoholism and drug abuse cases.
“Alcoholism is one of the major reasons leading to families breaking up and it is high time we tackled the menace,” Wajri said, expressing anguish over the growing number of rape and domestic violence cases.