Kasaragod: Local MLA N A Nellikunnu joined the protestors demanding permanent closure of the State-owned Beverages Limited liquor outlet as the agitation entered its fourth day at Anangoor on the outskirts of the city on October 29.
People from all walks of life including children, senior citizens and women joined the protest and urged the authorities to either shift or drop plans of opening the outlet in the residential area.
They feel that the new outlet at a distance of 50 meters from taluk hospital will give rise to many problems since temples; girls’ hostel and Anganawadi School are located nearby. In addition there are around 300 houses in the area and college going girls, women will face a lot of problems in their daily lives, if the shop is opened in the proposed location, they complained in one voice.
The petition seeking shifting /closure has been submitted to the state excise minister, district in-charge minister and officials concerned but none has responded till date apart from giving assurances, theprotestors lamented.
Local MLA N A Nellikunna joined the demonstration and cooked rice porridge for all protestors. He assured of mounting pressure on the government to shift or close the outlet.
It may be recalled that the outlet located on I C Bhandary Road was shifted to this residential layout without giving any reason. When the truck with the first consignment arrived few days ago, protestors did not allow the unloading of the consignment and had succeeded in sending the truck back.
Many members of protest committee including its convenor took part in the protest.
