Hundreds of slum dwellers under the banner of the lok Shakti Abhiyan held a dharna in front of the Brahmapur Sub-Collector’s office demanding to declare Odisha a dry State.
They alleged that the State Government is flouting the Supreme Court’s orders of not having alcohol shops within 500 meters of schools, colleges, temples, sensitive places and National Highways.
Mentioning that as many as 79 illegal liquors shops are operational in Ganjam district only, they alleged that the State Government is shielding the liquor mafias in the district.
The members also held a Padayatra holding placards and shouting slogans against the State Government’s policy. Agitators also submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Collector in the matter.
Among others, Abhiyan president Madhusudan Sethi, social activist Dilip Singh, Srikanta Sethi, Kishore Patro, Baijanta Patro, Basanti Sahu and Ramesh Behera were present.