Rons Bantwal
Mangaluru, Apr 4: In response to the ongoing state-wide protest led by the Karnataka State Federation of Wine Merchants Association (R) Bengaluru, a protest meeting was held by the Dakshina Kannada District Wine Merchants Association in front of the Mangaluru Mini Vidhana Soudha office.
The protest was aimed at bringing the current situation of the liquor industry to the government's attention, with a petition being submitted to the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada.
The protest meeting saw the participation of office-bearers and supporters from various regions of Dakshina Kannada, including Mangaluru, Bantwal, Belthangady, Puttur, and Sullia.
District vice-president Jokim Louis Pinto chaired the meeting and expressed his concern over the dire state of the industry. He shared his frustration with the attendees, highlighting the industry's plight.
Purandar Rai, president of Puttur taluk, emphasised the need for organised efforts to address the challenges faced by the industry, stating, “Today, we all must unite and commit to resolving these issues through government intervention.”
K T Suvarna, president of Mangaluru taluk, voiced his dismay over the government's decision to auction off liquor licences, which, he argued, would force traditional family-run businesses into dire straits. He called for collective action to safeguard the livelihoods of those involved in the industry.
District general secretary C N Appachu welcomed all attendees and presented the motion, expressing the immense exploitation the industry faces. "The tragic state of our business has led us to gather here today," he remarked, reflecting on the industry's severe challenges.
District secretary Om Prasad Bardil conducted the proceedings of the meeting, while district vice president P M Narayana Moodabidre expressed gratitude and concluded the event.
After the meeting, the delegation, which included vice president J L Pinto, general secretary C N Appachu, secretary Om Prasad Bardil, Mangaluru taluk president K T Suvarna, and member Prasad Shetty, submitted the petition to the deputy commissioner.