The Dhemaji district unit of the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA) on Friday observed a 2-hour National Highway 15 blockade demanding that massive drive be carried out against illicit liquor trade and demolish the illegal hooch (Sulai) shops within a short period.
A movement has started against illicit liquor in the wake of death of more than 150 people after consuming illicit liquors in the tea gardens of Golaghat and Jorhat districts of Assam recently.
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The AASAA members blocked National Highway 15 at Gogamukh Chariali in Dhemaji on Friday, shouted slogans against police and excise departments.
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The protesters also submitted a memorandum to Dhemaji Deputy Commissioner through the Circle Officer of Gogamukh and demanded the authority to identify the areas within the district where there are illicit liquor dens and take legal action against illegal hooch traders.
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Talking to media persons at Gogamukh on Friday, AASAA president Rajesh Hasda and Nirantar Tahnti alleged the Dhemaji district administration is not dealing with the illicit liquor trade in the district, which is causing apprehension among the rural people particularly the tea tribe and other tribal communities.
They have demanded that strategic steps be taken by the district administration to control illict liquor trade.
Meanwhile, Dhemaji district police and excise officials have swung into action against illicit liquor, conducted demolition drive in different parts of the district and seized equipment used in production of illicit liquor.
The joint teams also seized huge quantity of illegally stored IMFL bottles from several shops in rural areas during operation.
The excise officials also booked a number of people involved in illicit liquor trade.