Women intensify protest for liquor shop removal in Konaseema

Amalapuram – Andhra Pradesh: Women from Machavaram village in Dr. B R Ambedkar Konaseema district escalated their protest with a dharna at the District Collectorate, demanding the immediate closure of a liquor shop threatening their safety, backed by CPM’s call for swift action.

Dharna targets liquor shop nuisance

Women from Kusumevaripet, Chinakusumevaripet, and Ambedkar Nagar in Machavaram village, Ambajipet mandal, held a dharna outside the Konaseema District Collectorate on Monday. They demanded the swift removal of a liquor shop relocated from Ambajipet without panchayat approval, positioned perilously between a school and an Ambedkar statue. Supported by CPM District Convener Kaarem Venkateswara Rao, the protesters raised slogans against the shop’s impact on their community.

CPM slams excise negligence

Kaarem Venkateswara Rao criticized the shop’s placement as a blatant disregard for women’s safety, noting its proximity to deserted banana and coconut plantations. He accused excise officials of colluding with owners, citing a dismissive response from the excise DSP who claimed the shop, 150 meters away, posed no issue. Kaarem demanded action against negligent officials and warned of escalated protests if the shop remains.

Safety fears fuel outrage

The women highlighted the shop’s fallout: drunkards harassing locals, endangering schoolgirls, and threatening women labourers in a sparsely populated area. They labeled its illegal setup “ridiculous” and a direct assault on their security, vowing to protest at the shop itself unless authorities act. Participants included Kusuma Nagamani, Aitabaththula Shanti Kumari, and Jyoti Payyila Marathamma, among others.

Collectorate responds to petition

Post-dharna, the women submitted a memorandum to the Joint Collector, who promised a direct inquiry with the excise superintendent. He assured that their objections would be reviewed and a report submitted. The protest, organized by CPM district committee members G Durga Prasad, M Balaram, and T Naga Varalakshmi Nayak, also drew solidarity from Mandapeta women fighting similar battles.