Liquor shop downs shutter in face of public protest

By Alok Mohanty/www.indusvalleytimes.com
Cuttack: In a step forward towards combating anti-social activities, hundreds of agitating women from Jillinda, Regeda and Kamaladiha villaged under Narasinghpur tehsil in Cuttack district recently forced closure of two liquor shops in their area.
The shut down shops were opened two months ago allegedly without the prior consent of the Palli Sabhas.
Binapani Mahila Mahasangha and the Mukti, a philanthropic organisation, had resorted to strike and demonstrations for over a month seeking closure of the shops. Hundreds of local people, including women, had participated in the protest rally.
During the protest rally, the agitators assembled at Medical Ground at Jillinda where the resolved to make the area drug-free.
Jnana Ranjan Nayak, Sushant Mohanty, Muna Pradhan, Uttam Nayak and Jyotsnarani Sahoo, Anjalibala Pradhan and Anima Ray were among several leaders who spearheaded the campaign against the closure of the liquor shops.
Dr Biswajit, central co-ordinator of Rastriya Youth Organisation coordinated the programme.
“The protest against spread of liquor trade in area will continue and those who will stand in the way will face the consequences,” warned Sushant Mohanty, president of Mukti said.
-Alok Mohanty is student of Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Orissa.