Madikeri: Villagers in coordination with few supportive organizations succeeded in shutting down a liquor shop in Dasaval village of Najaryapatna taluk through a relentless effort spanning over three years.

The aggrieved villagers were letdown by authorities on several occasions as their pleas fell on deaf ears but they were not disheartened. Their grievance,that the liquor shop was behind several unhealthy incidents, disturbing peace in their area and dragging families onto streets as most men resorted to drinking leaving their families in dire straits.

The villagers led by a youth group took help from few dalit and Karntataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) groups and forged an alliance and were ready to continue their agitation through the night. They approached authorities including Panchayath, Excise and finally Deputy Commissioner of the district but failed on earlier occasions. On Aug 9, the agitation gathered momentum as members increased with women jumping in the fray. The excise inspector at the spot GR Ganesh assured of action in a week’s time. Not convinced, they continued their agitation forcing the inspector to lock and seal the shop for good. When situation was getting out of hand the excise inspector spoke to higher ups and the conversation lasted for more than half hour. With no other options he decided to shut down the liquor shop permanently.

Enthused by the response the agitators started shouting slogans on the streets and expressed happiness as their efforts finally yielded result.