Jayapur: More than 100 women from 12 villages under Ambaguda panchayat in Koraput district on Saturday gheraoed the panchayat office and raided an illegal country liquor brewing unit inside Bada Majurumunda forest, demanding an immediate crackdown on the illicit liquor trade.
Armed with sticks, the women took the step alleging that repeated complaints to the local administration and the Excise Department had failed to yield any tangible action against illegal liquor traders.
The protest intensified after the sarpanch reportedly failed to turn up at the spot. The agitated women then marched towards the forest, where they raided an illicit liquor still and destroyed earthen pots, drums and pouches used for brewing and storing country liquor.
They also unearthed liquor pouches and drums buried beneath the forest soil and set them on fire, destroying the materials used in the illegal trade. The action was carried out in the presence of Excise Department officials and police personnel, sources said.
The women alleged that illegal liquor sales were rampant in Ambaguda, Majurumunda, Kachiakonali and adjoining areas, ruining families and triggering social problems. They claimed that alcohol addiction had led to domestic violence, with women facing verbal abuse and physical assaults by intoxicated husbands and sons who allegedly spent their earnings on liquor instead of supporting their families.
The protestors further alleged that school-going children were falling prey to alcohol addiction and becoming involved in anti-social activities.
Jayapur Excise Station Officer Subrat Keshari Hiran said raids had been conducted in the area earlier, during which illicit liquor was destroyed and some accused persons were arrested and produced before the court.
However, some people continued the illegal trade by treating it as a source of livelihood, he said, assuring that stricter surveillance would be maintained with the cooperation of local women.
The protesting women warned that they would block the main road and approach the Koraput Collector and Superintendent of Police if the entire panchayat was not made liquor-free and the illegal trade was not stopped immediately.
