Date:04/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/04/stories/2007110460610600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Illicit brew issue: police in dilemma

Special Correspondent

‘Show employment or let us brew illicit liquor for survival’

— Photo: U.Subramanyam

Thorny issue: Two Town Inspector V.V. Naidu counselling members of Neelishikari community not to brew illicit liquor in Kurnool on Saturday.

KURNOOL: The police and the members of Neelishikari community face the biggest moral dilemma when the authorities try to enforce ban on illicit liquor.

About 300 families of the community living at Bangarupet, a slum along the railway track in the city, gathered at the Two Town police station on Saturday to plead with the excise and police officials either to show them gainful employment or allow them to make illicit liquor for survival.

The police launched an intense drive against illicit liquor, matka and other vices in the district after Mr. Sankabratha Bagchi took over as the new SP.

Neelishikaris, who entirely eke a living out of illicit liquor, were pushed to the wall. Two Town Inspector V.V. Naidu issued a warning to the Neelishikaris that they would not be allowed to brew liquor but promised to take up the issue of employment with the authorities.

Neelishikaris, a community equivalent of Pardhi tribe in Maharastra and Madhya Pradesh, have ruthless track record due to their indulgence in robberies and thefts. The members of the community are not preferred for work as domestic servants or in shops. As robberies and thefts are rewarded with severe punishments, Neelishikaris found an “employment” in illicit liquor, brewing both for their consumption and selling. The administration too paid little attention to their absorption in mainstream society except sanctioning house sites. The community does not fit into the general development model like self-help groups or petty businesses. An exclusive vocation involving manufacturing of common goods is needed to accommodate the community.