DMK announces stir across TN to press for prohibition

Mounting pressure on the ruling AIADMK over the issue of dry law, DMK chief Karunanidhi today announced a statewide stir on August 10, demanding imposition of total prohibition in Tamil Nadu.
He also condemned what he termed was 'stern action' by police against protestors seeking dry law across the state.
"In continuation of protests urging immediate prohibition (across Tamil Nadu by various groups), and so as to reflect the feelings of the people on the issue, protest demonstrations will be held on August 10 on behalf of the DMK," he said.
The protests will be held by respective party district secretaries in district headquarters, he said in a party release.

Referring to a slew of protests all over the state on the issue of prohibition, including by the family of Gandhian Sasi Perumal in Salem and in Kalingapatti by locals and MDMK workers that turned violent, he said, "It is anguishing that there is no action over the issue by the state."
He said no minister had visited any place of protest to pacify protestors and said it was questionable if there was a regime functioning at all in Tamil Nadu.

"I condemn the stern action by police against protestors, and I urge that all those who were arrested in connection with this issue should be released immediately," he further said.

He found fault with the government for "not intervening directly" to handle the issue.
Rather than finding a political solution by approaching the plea seeking prohibition as a social issue, the state handled it with the help of police, he alleged.