JALUKIE, oct 15 (MExN): In a dramatic turn of events, the Total Prohibition Act is brewing up conflicts with liquor sellers resorting to violence as a counter measure against the Women Welfare Society (WWS), Jalukie which is spearheading the implementation of the Act. On the nights of October 11 and 12, when the WWS volunteers were conducting checks, the liquor sellers formed a group to attack the volunteers. However, the violence was averted due to the intervention of some Youth leaders.
Liquor sellers have formed a Union by the name of Paupai Zausak Nkwa (PZN) to counter the implementation of Total Prohibition Act at Jalukie Town. Activists of the Union were seen moving around with clubs, sticks, daos and other such weapons to attack WWS Volunteers. It is learnt that the liquor sellers were moving around shouting slogans in support of the sale of alcohol.
The WWS, after the incident, decided to give up on the enforcement of the ban. However, after the assurances given by various Churches and NGOs pledging their full support, the women agreed to resume checking of alcohol. The Total Prohibition Act has raised many questions, especially on the issue of haves and have nots. Liquor sellers have alleged that WWS activists were well-to-do while they have no other means for their livelihood except through selling liquor. PZN also alleged that the WWS were resorting to extreme means while carrying out checking activities which were random and disrespectful to the privacy of others.
The issue was kept in abeyance as the SDO Civil was out of station. However, the Jalukie Town Council (JTC) has cautioned the women activists to conduct checking only during the day time in the presence of the police, youth volunteers or district administration so as to avoid any eventuality. JTC has also warned PZN that they will be arrested if they resort to any violent means and have been prohibited from shouting anti-slogans.
Meanwhile, at an emergency meeting held yesterday, Churches and NGOs condemned the formation and activities of PZN, terming it as anti-social and illegal. It resolved to strengthen the WWS by deputing volunteers from their respective churches. Further, the meeting condemned the incident saying that it was an attempt on the lives of the volunteers and resolved to serve an ultimatum to the JTC to dissolve the PZN at the earliest.
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