A tribal women group called `Thaikula Sanghom'  representing 196 tribal hamlets of Attappadi in Palakkad district has launched a 13-day satyagraha in the interstate border village of Anakatty, demanding that Tamil Nadu government close down bars and liquor shops just across the border.

The group has alleged that bars and liquor shops owned by Tamil Nadu government which function in Anakkatty sell spurious alcohol.

“During the last two months 12 tribal people from Attapadi in the 28-38 age group died of excessive drinking,“ Secretary of the Sanghom, Maruthy told The Times ofIndia.

“Though we had complained to authorities of both the states, no action has been taken yet. Liquor was banned in Attapadi tribal belt as back as in 1996 by the then AK Antony government, but spurious liquor is distilled and sold in many areas,“ she added.

Kerala state Beverages corporation also does not function in the area.

“The tribal people spend whatever small income they get on liquor. Because of drinking spurious liquor, they have lost their health and many of them die at a very early age,” Seema Bhaskar, coordinator of National Rural Livelihood Mission told ToI.