Shimla, July 15 -- In a rare and strong show of protest, the entire body of gram panchayat Chawdi in development block Seoni, district Shimla, has tendered its resignation following the opening of a wine shop at Khera village despite local opposition and the subsequent lodging of FIRs against protesting women.
In a letter addressed to the district panchayat officer, dated July 10, the pradhan, deputy pradhan, and all seven ward members expressed deep anguish over the state government's decision to permit the opening of the wine shop from July 1. The panchayat had unanimously passed a resolution against it in its meeting on June 24, citing adverse social and cultural impacts on the community.
The letter accuses the excise and taxation depa...