Tension prevailed in Sowripalayam on Sunday when more than 100 persons staged a road blockade demanding closure of four Tasmac outlets operating in their locality.
The police had to arrest and remove around 85 people, including 30 women, to avoid law and order issues.
The protesters said that district administration and senior Tasmac officials had assured them of closing two liquor outlets in the locality by June 30.
The people’s forum resorted to protest as liquor outlets continued to operate after June 30. Though the forum had sought permission from the police to stage a protest at Sowripalayam junction, it was denied.
However, around 9 a.m. on Sunday, the residents along with traders, who are opposing Tasmac outlets, began the protest. Leaders of Makkal Nala Iyakkam, Congress and CPI (M) extended support to the protesters. They held placards and black flags demanding closure of the liquor outlets. Traffic along Sowripalayam was completely crippled following the road blockade.
Senior police officers, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) S. Lakshmi, held talks with the protesters. The police, who had anticipated law and order situation, arrested the protesters and cleared the road. They were released on bail in the evening. The four Tasmac outlets functioning in and around Sowripalayam are located at Karunanidhi Nagar, Ther Veethi, Kallarai Street and near G.V. Residency. Flow of tipplers to the four liquor shops had vehemently increased with several other Tasmac outlets functioned on the sides of highways closed down following Supreme Court directive.
