Women demand closure of liquor shops in Odisha

Kendrapara: Protesting against the sale of illegal liquor in their areas, women from villages under Kandiya area of Kendrapara blocked Rajkanika-Kandiya state highway at Deulatara village on Saturday, demanding immediate closure of shops selling liquor. Blocked for more than an hour. Protestors from Deultara, Baripada and Patna villages said a large part of their earnings were wasted as men and children in their families were addicted to alcohol. He also alleged involvement of ruling party leaders in illegal business.

“We took the issue to higher authorities several times, but they never bothered to look into it,” alleged Priyanka Swain of Deultara village. Swarnlata Swain, another protester, said that many youths in her villages have already turned to drug addiction and this has led to economic deprivation in their families.
Meanwhile, Pramila Nayak, who led the protest, criticized the government’s decision to open more liquor shops in their areas. “This decision will devastate our families. The uncontrolled flow of alcohol and drugs has led to an increase in anti-social activities in our areas. Drunkards and drug addicts are harassing people at night,” he said, adding that the police have turned a blind eye to their problems.
On receiving the information, police reached the spot and took stock of the situation. “Security has been tightened in the surrounding villages to check the law and order situation,” said Debashish Panda, officer of Kandiya police station.