The decision to reopen a TASMAC liquor shop near Tharuvaikulam, a village situated about 10 km from here and has witnessed more than 35 murders in the past four decades, has triggered stiff resistance from the public, particularly the fishermen.
After this highly volatile coastal hamlet witnessed several murders, including the gruesome killing of seven persons in a single attack in March 1998, and clashes between two communities living in the same village but in separate areas, it was decided to close the liquor shop situated on the west of Tharuvaikulam. Subsequently, the shop was shifted to another area near Davispuram and those who wanted to buy liquor had to travel for about 7 km.
As anticipated, the crime rate came down drastically in the village following the shifting of liquor shop.
Against this backdrop, the TASMAC has reportedly decided to open the liquor shop at Tharuvaikulam Samaththuvapuram, which has triggered stiff opposition from the public.
Raising this issue in the fishermen’s grievance day meet at the Collectorate on Friday, Tharuvaikulam panchayat president Maharajan said the decision to reopen liquor shop near Tharuvaikulam could revive unpleasant incidents including communal clashes and hence no liquor shop should be opened near the village at any cost.
District Revenue Officer Murugaiah, who was chairing the meeting, assured that appropriate decision would be taken in this connection.
When fisherman Jesudasan wanted the district administration to take steps for distributing communication equipment to the fishermen, the DRO said the gadgets would be given before December this year.
When a few participants raised the issue of the fishermen being booked for entering banned entry point of Tuticorin harbour, Mr. Murugaiah said the fishermen should not violate the restrictions and made it clear that those who defy rules would be booked.
Family members of the seven fishermen from Therespuram who have been detained by the Sri Lankan navy submitted petition to the DRO seeking early steps for ensuring the safe release of their breadwinners.
