Women stage anti-liquor protest in Balasore, urge collector to take action

Balasore: Hundreds of women of Kudia village under Sadar block in Kuala panchayat of Balasore gathered outside the collector office yesterday demanding closure of liquor shops in the village.

Protesting sale of country-made liquor in the area, the agitating women holding brooms raised slogans against illicit liquor trade. As per reports, they later submitted a memorandum to the district collector.

“Locals in the area are getting addicted to liquor due to its unrestrained sale. Family feuds are increasing due to the consumption of liquor by male members. The entire village is being affected due to sale of liquor,” alleged a woman protester, Parima Marandi.

“After holding discussions with the collector and with the assistance of Excise Department, we will conduct raids in the liquor shops. Stringent action will be taken against those found involved in the liquor trade,” said Additional Collector of Balasore, Sambit Kumar Nayak.