Balangir: Tension ran high at Jhankarpalli square here Monday as hundreds of residents of eleven villages under two panchayats in this district staged a road blockade demanding the immediate removal of liquor outlets in their locality.
The agitators, mostly women and SHG members, alleged that the presence of liquor outlets in the region was the reason for a spurt in anti-social activities in the area. The villagers burnt tyres and placed stones on the road as part of their protest.
Normal life was crippled due to the agitation that started in the morning. Owing to the blockade, vehicular movement on the busy road connecting Balangir and Patnagarh came to a standstill for several hours. Hundreds of vehicles were seen stranded on both sides of the main road.
Locals say liquor consumption led to an increase in domestic violence in the area. Men spent all their money on liquor. They returned in an inebriated state and created nuisance at home. This resulted in a rise in family fights and other anti-social activities. There have been cases of eve-teasing in the streets by drunk men, women alleged.
Police personnel were deployed in strength near the spot to prevent any incident.