The District unit of the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) staged a demonstration on Friday, urging the State government to impose total prohibition and save the younger generation from the evils of drinking.
Led by Ramanathapuram east district president A Ravichandra Ramavanni, more than 200 TMC volunteers gathered in front of the Aranmanai and shouted slogans demanding closure of TASMAC shops, selling liquor. Addressing the demonstration, Mr. Ramavanni blamed the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) regime for opening the floodgates for liquor in 1971. The then Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi opened liquor shops, disregarding the plea of leaders such as Rajaji and Kamaraj, he said.
Women in many families were facing a tough time as their husbands, the sole breadwinners, spent major portion of their day's earnings on liquor. The women folk were forced to go out for work to make both ends meet, he said.
Former Congress MLA Hasan Ali wondered as to how the AIADMK regime, which reversed all the schemes launched by the DMK government soon after assuming power, followed the footsteps of the DMK in running the TASMAC shops.
Making a passionate plea for the closure of the liquor shops, Irudhaya Mary, leader of a fisherwomen association from Rameswaram said the government should impose total prohibition not only to protect the present generation from the evils of drinking but also the next generation.
Men, who were the sole breadwinners returned home after spending their day’s earnings on liquor, she said. The men also abused their children, she said. There has been a rise in domestic problems, thanks to liquor, she pointed out.
Dindigul
Members of Tamil Maanila Congress staged demonstration here on Friday pressing total prohibition in the State. They pointed out that liquor had destroyed several families and spoiled the young generation. Their health will be affected and ultimately, the nation will lose its human resources.
The State government should immediately ban liquor sale and close all TASMAC shops, the speakers demanded. Similar demonstration was held in Theni also.
