Alappuzha: The students of SDV government UPS, Neerkunnam, who have been campaigning against drinking and drugs in the area, have demanded that Independence Day should be declared a dry day. For this, they will submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Excise Minister T.P. Ramakrishnan soon.
It will be signed by 100 people, including parents, students and locals. The students under 'Thanal,' an anti-liquor campaign club, had raised the demand in 2014 also and gone on a day-long fast in the school with the support of teachers and parents.
"The previous government had ignored our protest," said Mr E.V. Byju, headmaster. While other states observe August 15 as dry day, Kerala has not cared for the day," he says.
During the Onam vacation last year, the students had gone to about 425 residences in the XVII ward of Amabalappuzha north panchayat and persuaded drunkards to go to the de-addiction centre here. At least 14 people had stopped drinking and 40 others were being treated at the de-addiction centre.
Ms S. Jewel, school leader and member of Thanal, said they will continue their fight for the cause. "During Onam vacation, we will conduct awareness classes for the residents of the panchayat on the consequences of drug abuse," she added.
