Demanding total prohibition of liquor in the State and implementation of the Orissa Prohibition Act, activists under the banner of the Milita Odisha
Nisha Nibaran Abhiyan staged a rally and a dharna here on Friday.
Holding banners and placards, the activists led by Gandhian leader and freedom fighter Padma Charan Nayak took out the procession from Ram Mandir Square to the lower PMG. Representatives of anti-liquor campaign Milita Mahasangha, Daringbadi and the Sachetan Nagarik Manch, Kandhamal joined the protest.
The activists alleged that consumption of alcohol is one of the key reasons for the rise in various crimes like rape, murder and other social issues like road accidents. But ignoring this fact, the State Government is allowing operation of liquor shops everywhere across the State instead of putting a ban on manufacturing and sale of intoxicants, said Nayak.
Welcoming the move of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for a complete ban on liquor, the activists demanded that the Odisha Government follow suit by implementing the Orissa Prohibition Act that had been enacted in 1956.
Among others, Mahila Congress president Bijaylaxmi Sahoo and Hemant Nayak of the Milita Mahasangha, Daringbadi were present.