Kulgam, May 29: The opening of a wine shop in Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, triggered a widespread protest and prompted a complete shutdown in the main market on Monday. 

The town’s residents expressed their disappointment over the establishment of the wine shop, asserting that it goes against the authorities' ongoing "war against drugs" campaign. 

The move has sparked concerns about the potential impact on the community and the effectiveness of the anti-drug initiatives in the region. 

The protesters said the wine shop will increase drug abuse and social evils in the area and demanded its immediate closure. “The liquor shop will push youngsters into the drug trap and ruin their lives. The authorities should reconsider the decision,” said a local.

The locals staged a strong peaceful protest and urged the administration to close the shop.