KANNUR: Buoyed by the government decision the other day to close down the only liquor outlet run by the Beverages Corporation (Bevco), the residents of Ulikkal, especially women, have taken a resolve not to allow illicit liquor to replace the ‘state liquor brands’.
Ulikkal, a panchayat in Kannur lying close to Karnataka’s Coorg district, has been fighting for the closure of the Bevco outlet for the past few years. The resolute fight, led by the women of the panchayat, has finally paid off with the state government announcing its decision to close down the shop on October 2. Some 12 years ago, Ulikkal had observed a hartal demanding the liquor outlet, perhaps the first public protest in the state demanding a Bevco shop.
“Some people had justified the hartal then, saying that a Bevco shop might bring an end to small-scale liquor brewing which was rampant in the area at that time,” says Marykkutty Chacko Palakkalodi, panchayat vice-president and ward member of Ulikkal West.
“But very soon, the evils of liquor started to become visible. Women came out in protest. The panchayat and gramasabhas adopted resolutions against the Bevco outlet. Now we are extremely happy that the government has taken the right decision,” says Marykkutty, who piloted the motion demanding closure of shop in panchayat council.
Even as they bask in the victory of their pitched struggle, the women are not sitting idle. They remain watchful and have taken a resolve not to allow illicit liquor or distilling country liquor. The panchayat has started a control room of sorts with a phone number for people to inform about any instance of brewing of illicit liquor.
“We will keep the information secret and those who give the tip-off need not reveal their names,” Marykkutty said. And once they get information, the women would act. The women under various Kudumbashree units and other organisations have decided to stand united against the possible infiltration of the illicit liquor mafia. They have already been given training to deal with the problems that might arise in a ‘liquor-free zone’. The modus operandi planned by the women’s groups is simple and straight: First inform the police and then, set out and nab the culprits themselves, if situation demands.