Dibrugarh: All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the co-district commissioner, Demow, in Sivasagar district, demanding immediate closure of foreign liquor shops operating within and around tea garden areas. The organisation said rising alcoholism is harming the social and economic fabric of the tea garden community.In its memorandum, AASAA said the growing number of liquor outlets in and near garden areas has disrupted peace and order.“A large portion of the hard-earned money of our labourers, who survive on daily wages, is being spent on foreign liquor, pushing families into extreme financial distress,” the memorandum stated.The association also cited public health concerns, alleging an increase in liver ailments, high blood pressure and premature deaths among men due to excessive alcohol consumption. “Numerous families are living in misery because of this crisis,” the memorandum, signed by AASAA Demow regional committee president Lalit Tanti and acting secretary Bidyajit Masua, stated.AASAA further pointed to a rise in domestic violence and abuse against women and children in garden areas and said the impact on students and youth is affecting literacy and development.“Allowing the open trade of alcohol to thrive in a sensitive and underprivileged area like a tea garden is highly unfortunate,” the memorandum read.The association placed three demands before the administration: closure or relocation of all foreign liquor shops within a 100-metre radius of tea garden areas; strict enforcement by the Excise Department against illegal liquor dens; and increased police patrolling to improve security.“It is our humble request to the administration to realise the gravity and sensitivity of the matter and take necessary measures at the earliest,” said Tanti.AASAA urged swift action, warning that continued inaction could lead to organised protests by tea garden residents in the coming days.
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