Jharkhand women launch ant-liquor drive

By Girija Shankar Ojha

Jharkhand (Koderma) , Feb.25 : Women in Jharkhand's Koderma District have joined hands to put an end to the liquor consumption menace.

Several of these women have joined an anti-liquor drive against men often found in an inebriated state.

On Sunday, housewives, formed teams and destroyed many backyard illicit liquor distilleries and local liquor shops.

Dandadih Village in the Jaya Nagar Block of Koderma District witnessed a massive crusade against the marketing and consumption of country liquor.

"We started the campaign by spoiling distilleries of liquor in our block. Then we proceeded to other areas. We emptied containers of liquor," said Sheela Devi, a protestor.

The consumption of illicit brew is very common among tribals in Jharkhand.

Women believe the unrestricted availability of liquor is leading to discord in families.

Ramkishore Yadav, a schoolteacher, said alcoholism has ruined many families in the area.

"The labourers receive rupees 50 to 60 of which they spend more than half on liquor, Yadav claimed.

Reports of domestic strife caused by liquor addictions keep surfacing.

According to Sonia Devi, the President of the Mahila Sangh (women committee), Everyone involved in this business is frightened that we are damaging their produce. Though our society has helped us, we still look forward for the support of the administration."

ANI