Post News Network
Kendrapara, Jan 3: Women in Gangarampur panchayat under Pattamundai block served ultimatums of sort on their husbands that they would stop cooking and not allow them in if they come home drunk.
The warning came during an anti-liquor agitation by women outside the panchayat office at Gangarampur Sunday.
Over 300 women representing 64 self-help groups from Gangarampur, Gunupur, Lokanathpur, Chhedra, Padmanabhpur, Bihari, Manpatna, Jaysinghpur, Bhagadeipur in the panchayat took out a rally carrying placards in their hands.
Their ire against liquor consumption was visible on their face as the placards they carried had messages demanding total prohibition. They warned the authorities if urgent steps are not taken to address their problems all of them would boycott elections. Some of the male members also hailed the women and claimed the movement will be a success.
They gave away anti-liquor slogans while sending out clear warnings to their tippler husbands. They also staged a demonstration inside the panchayat office before participating in a meeting at the place.
Addressing the meeting, president Shantilata Jena said agriculture is the mainstay for over 90 per cent residents in the village. While farming is no longer alluring due to natural calamities and administrative apathy they continue with it due to lack of options, she said
However, rise in availability of illegal liquor and ganja in the area has disturbed peace in their homes. This has hit them hard as their spouses waste money on liquor and come home drunk.
Besides, youths also go ashtray by consuming liquor and ganja. This has disturbed peace not only in their homes but also in the village as girls and women do not feel safe moving about in the village.
Jena urged women not to allow their husbands in if they come home drunk. They were also told to shun cooking. Things have come to such a pass that even boys as young as 10 are found consuming liquor and ganja.
Secretary Sandhyarani Panda said the excise superintendent, superintendent of police and local police have not taken steps to help them despite their making complaints before them. This has forced them to resort to agitation.
