Jayapur: Hundreds of women and local residents staged a protest here on Monday, demanding an immediate crackdown on the alleged illegal liquor trade and illicit liquor-making units operating in villages under Badajiuna panchayat in Koraput district.
Led by panchayat Sarpanch Trinath Pujari, around 300-400 women and residents from Bhejaguda, Dharnahandi, Sanajiuna, Salpa, Padeyikara and adjoining villages took out a procession and reached the office of the Jayapur Sub-Collector. They submitted a memorandum seeking stringent action against those involved in the illegal liquor and drug trade.
The protesters alleged that the unauthorised sale of liquor and operation of illicit liquor stills had increased in the panchayat, adversely affecting families and creating social problems in the villages.
They said liquor and drug abuse was particularly affecting the younger generation, leading to addiction, family disputes and unrest. Women and children were bearing the brunt of the situation, they alleged.
The protesters demanded regular raids against illegal liquor outlets and stills, legal action against those involved in the trade and effective measures to make the entire panchayat liquor-free.
The administration has reportedly assured the protesters that their demands would be examined and necessary steps taken.
The protesters, however, warned of a peaceful agitation on the highway in the coming days if the illegal liquor trade is not curbed at the earliest.
