The residents of Baliakani village in Pokhariapada Panchayat under Ersama block have decided to ban sale of liquor in the locality. If anybody defies the order, he/she would be liable to pay heavy fine.
Reports said that the Balikani village is first in the Jagatsinghpur district to take such a resolve. According to the villagers, prohibition of liquor sale would be quite rewarding. Mainly, it would bring a marked fall in accidents and crimes. Domestic violence would also be controlled to a great extent.
“Our coastal village was a perennial hub for both foreign brand and country made liquor flow since years. Several times we approached police and the Excise officials seeking action against the liquor vendors but received no result. last year we had resorted to a protest before Erasama police station pressing for action against a couple who has been fetching alcohol in village but cops had a lukewarm response,” the villagers said.
They narrated, “But we did not give up. One week ago we determined to act together for liquor ban; women and students joined in the campaign which received a tremendous response among villagers. Again, we approached Erasama police station for action against the culprits fetching liquor at village. Police acted promptly on receiving our complaint, raided a few locations and seized huge quantity of liquor. Police also arrested two vendors.”
Inspired, the villagers on Tuesday converged at the community center and discussed enforcing complete ban on liquor sale, they added.
Erasama police station IIC laxmidhar Swain said that the action of Baliakani villagers is sort of precedent.