TENKASI: The state government was urged to shut down a Tasmac outlet, which was reopened in Rayagiri town after seven years on November 20, as the outlet earlier caused law and order issues in the region and had an adverse impact on the locals, particularly the youth.
The outlet was shut during the AIADMK government’s regime following several protests by DMK-led parties.
Demanding its closure, CPI functionaries led by their district secretary T Esakki Durai staged a protest on November 23. On Wednesday, functionaries of various parties led by AIADMK town secretary Deva Pandi also held a protest.
MDMK deputy general secretary T M Rajendran petitioned Revenue Minister KKSSR Rajendran, also in charge of Tenkasi district, to shut the shop.
Speaking to TNIE, Durai highlighted the adverse impact the outlet had. "When this shop was functioning, Rayagiri town faced various law and order issues, and there was always caste tension. After our protest, the shop was closed. Since then, Rayagiri, which depends primarily on agriculture, has maintained social harmony," he said.
"However, without any intimation, the state government has reopened the same shop under heavy police security, which has caused distress among residents," he added.
He further pointed out that Chief Minister M K Stalin had promised to gradually reduce the number of Tasmac outlets in the state during his election campaigns. "It is disheartening to see a shop that was closed after relentless protests being reopened," he added.
The representatives of the political parties also petitioned District Collector A K Kamal Kishore.
When contacted by TNIE, Kishore said, “We received reports that around 40 people were engaged in the illegal sale of liquor in the Rayagiri area, which could lead to a tragedy. We analysed the report and decided to reopen the liquor shop. Seven years ago, the shop was functioning near a church, which is why the residents opposed it. Now, we have reopened it in another location."