BARPETA, July 18 � A number of leading citizens of Barpeta and its surrounding areas have urged the Chief Minister to check the ongoing antisocial activities in the historic town and save it from the decadence. In a memorandum, they indicated that Barpeta is known as one of the peaceful towns in the State. Vaishnavite saints like Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhabdeva preached the sermons of peace here way back in the 16th century and it is the result of their teachings that the society here is still maintaining the tie of fraternity and communal harmony.
It was also mentioned that Barpeta with its unique cultural heritage has been recognised as a �dry area� by the Government and there is no licensed liquor shop in the town.
But it is a matter of grave concern that some antisocial elements and unscrupulous businessmen with vested interests are running the trade of country liquor as well as foreign wine. Such illegal trade is not only going to turn Barpeta into a den of antisocial activities but also adversely affect the economic, social and public health of the people.
In a specific indication, the memorandum states that the Barbazar area is the heart of the town and almost all sections of the people of the town have to visit this area for their daily needs. But it has been observed that country liquor and foreign wine have been sold openly in this area for the last few years. Easy availability of these items had not only degraded the status of the market area but also the whole of the town. Similar views can be observed in other parts of the town. Such activities have been going on to make the new generation handicapped both mentally and physically.
The memorandum expressed concern as to how this type of trade can continue unhindered in spite of the presence of the police and the Excise department and expressed the hope that these law-enforcing agencies would be more active in respect of cheking the anti-social elements.They also indicated that unabated sale and consumption of alchoholic drinks have slowly turned into a law and order problem and are going to enhance the rate of criminal activities in the otherwise peaceful and holy town.
They exhorted the CM to intervene in the matter at the earliest so that the anti-social elements cannot continue their evil plans and the reputation of the age-old town is kept intact. The memorandum was signed among others by Bashishtha Dev Sarma Burha Satriya of Barpeta Satra, Jagannath Adhikary Deka Satradhikar Sundaridia Satra, Gobinda Talukdar, secretary, Barpeta Jila Satra Mahasabha, Ratul Das, president, Shipini Socio Cultural Organisation and a ward commissioner of Barpeta Municipality Board and Dharani Talukdar, president, Barpeta Bar Association.
Known as Satranagari among the people of Assam, Barpeta is rich in Satriya culture inherited from the great saints.Till a few years back, there was strict social discipline in this area and nobody dared to violate the traditional rules. The Government also recognised the chastity of the town and respecting the sentiments of the people and the tradition, it did not issue licences to open wine shops here. But some unscrupulous elements have been relentlessly trying to create chaos by way selling alchohol and other banned toxic commodities. This has hurt the ethos as well as the sentiments of the peace loving people of this area. Illegal trading in wine is rampant all along the town. Moral degeneration among the youths has already begun foretelling a bleak future. The police and the Excise department have allegedly remained silent spectators to the incidents, making the lives of the common men miserable.
Hence, the elite society has expressed concern for which it is even ready to launch a crusade. It exhorted the Chief Minister to adopt adequate steps to check the menace before it is too late.
