Liquor 'dissolves' inter-state border in Wayanad

Bathery: The restrictions on inter-state movement of people have virtually disappeared in the villages along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Wayanad after the neighbouring state started liquor sales. Earlier, Tamil Nadu officials did not allow anybody from Kerala to enter their state for any purpose.

However, when Tamil Nadu's liquor outlet at Thalur opened, the officials allowed unrestricted entry for people from Kerala to buy and consume alcohol.

The situation also led to law and order situations in some areas. For instance, at Erumad, a fight occurred over liquor between residents of a colony which led to the murder of a man.

The inter-state border here passes between houses and shops and there are several narrow lanes which lead to Tamil Nadu. After the liquor outlets opened in Tamil Nadu, this has led to people of both states assembling together at one place and risking COVID-19 infection.

At present, residents of Kerala heading to Thalur to buy liquor park their vehicles on this side of the border and walk to Tamil Nadu. To prevent their entry to Tamil Nadu, there is a demand to set up a police check point at Chulliyode Junction, which is two km before the border. However, such measures may not be effective as Tamil Nadu’s liquor outlet is located on one side of the Nambiarkunnu Road while it is Kerala on the other side. Even then, no untoward situation has been reported from near the liquor shop as the police are implementing strict patrolling.