Thiruvananthapuram: Men, women and children dotted the narrow gravel path that led to a plain brick structure and gathered around a pond in front of the building to launch a mass agitation on Saturday. Almost an entire village, cutting across political and religious affiliations, assembled to protest against a toddy shop at Vavvamoola near Venganoor here.
A licensee based in Chirayinkeezhu had won a court order to operate the shop. In December 2015, local people had busted the move to open the shop, following which the owner had moved the court.
The villagers pooled in money to cook porridge, rice and black tea, which they served to political representatives and hundreds of supporters who gathered at the protest venue. Majority of the protesters are labourers, who gave up a day's income to be a part of the agitation.
Venganoor panchayat had passed a resolution not to issue license to toddy shops in any of its 20 wards in panchayat. The panchayat authorities stood by the villagers who fiercely objected to the idea of a toddy shop. Panchayat president G S Sreekala said, "Our aim is to make the panchayat liquor-free. No license shall be issued to any toddy shop."
An action council formed for the cause has forwarded a complaint to the office of excise commissioner stating that the license was granted in violation of the rules. "The building for the proposed toddy shop is located in the vicinity of a temple, church and an anganwady. The toddy shop will scuttle peace and harmony in the area," said the complaint.
A colony of dhobis lies adjacent to the building. "We make a living using the pond right in front of the building. Once the toddy shop starts functioning, it is going to affect our lives," said Shakunthala, a protester. Jinu S Simon, ward member said the building was given to a beneficiary under a housing scheme. "It is unfair to use the building given under the housing scheme for a toddy shop. The residents are unanimous in their demand," he said.
In 2004, villagers of neighbouring ward Pullanimukku had launched protests that continued for four years to close down a toddy shop.