Guwahati, Sept. 23: Seven city-based NGOs today moved Assam governor Banwarilal Purohit, seeking roll back of Dispur's decision to issue more liquor shop licences.

The NGOs, in their letter submitted to the governor, said the decision would have an adverse impact on society and help increase crime against women and children and sought his intervention to help prevent it.

'We have come to know that the state government will issue licences for more liquor shops to generate revenues. Apart from creating other negative results, this would lead to increased violence against women and children. In spite of legal provisions, it has been observed that even children often get introduced to drinking that affects their development and family. Many studies have found that though liquor shops help a government generate revenues, they hamper morality and law and order,' it said.

Chiranjeeb Kakoty, president of the Northeast Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses, Damayanti Devi of the Assam branch of Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, Nayan Bhandari Sharma, secretary of Sarvodaya Trust, Ruchira Neog, executive secretary of the Voluntary Heath Association of Assam, Nilima Kakoty, president of the Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samity, Alaka Bhattacharyya, president of University (Graduate) Women Association,and Minati Choudhury, chairperson of the Assam branch of the Indian Red Cross Society, signed the letter.

Kakoty said they had come across several cases where parents and families suffer because of liquor consumption by children. 'We request the government to look for other options to increase revenues instead of increasing the number of liquor shops in the state,' he said.

The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, a peasants' rights body, staged protests at several places today against the government's decision. It said it would hold agitation across the state against the move. 'Such a step will destroy the young generation as liquor will be easily available,' it said in a statement.