Social forum calls for total prohibition on Mahatma’s birth anniversary

Bhubaneswar, Oct 2:

Although Gandhi had emphasised total prohibitions, successive governments at the Centre and states had increased the sale of liquor, Padma Charan Nayak said.

Milita Odisha Nisha Nibaran Abhiyan (MONNA), a social forum comprising members from all walks of life, on Wednesday announced intensification of its activities to achieve total prohibition in the state.

Hundreds of MONNA activists, who had gathered under the leadership of veteran Gandhian and Sarvodaya leader Padma Charan Nayak, vowed to make their respective villages free from liquor, drug and narcotics so as to save society from degradation.

Nayak said although Mahatma Gandhi had emphasised total prohibitions, successive governments at the Centre and states had increased the sale of liquor, both foreign and country-made, in order to increase their revenue earning.

“Two MONNA activists have been killed while protesting liquor trade at separate places in the state in the recent past. No amount of intimidation of threat could stop the campaign against liquor. So far, our campaign has covered 14 districts and in the next few months we will undertake our activities in the rest 16 districts,” he announced.

He called upon the state government to seriously implement Prohibition Act, 1956.

“At the same time, I also urge people not to cast their votes to parties that do not show interest to implement this Act in true letter and spirit,” he said.(PTI)