Party leaders held for staging demo for seeking total prohibition

 

The demand for introducing prohibition in Tamil Nadu has grown louder after activist Sasi Perumal died while demanding the closure of a liquor shop in Kanyakumari on Friday. 

 

Following his death, Opposition parties like MDMK, VCK and MMK called for a State-wide dawn to dusk bandh on Tuesday which was backed by Left parties and traders’ federation.

 

Leading the protest, former MP and VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan said, “We are protesting not to get votes, but for people’s welfare. Today, the State government had gone to the extent of protecting Tasmac shop rather than the people”. 

 

He also condemned the preventive arrest of his party leaders and cadres on Monday night.  Mutharasan condemned the prohibition and excise minister Natham R. Viswanathan’s statement dismissing anti liquor protest as ‘political stunt.’ “The government is for the people. Public sentiment against liquor should be respected and shops be closed. We are protesting for public welfare, not for political gains,” he said. 

 

Ramakrishnan said the government should immediately close down shops located near educational institutions, places of worship, residential areas, crowded public places and on highways. Jawahirullah warned that the protest would continue until all liquor shops are in the state are closed. 

 

MDMK deputy general secretary Mallai Sathya who led a demonstration in front of a liquor shop at Choolaimedu was arrested along with his party cadres. 

 

Protests were also held in several parts of the city including Foreshore Estate, Tiruvottiyur and Perambur while students of Dr Ambedkar Government Law College took out a procession before they were stopped by police.