Nearly 200 persons are observing indefinite hunger strike in Samalapuram in nearby Tirupur district, protesting against opening of the already closed Government-run liquor outlet, following agitation by the villagers two months ago.

The people in the area had agitated for the closure of the shop on April 11, which led to the lathi charge and also slapping of a woman by the ADSP, Pandirajan. Following this, the shop was closed the next day.

However, the administration has re-opened the shop, attracting resentment among the people, who decided to sit in fast, police said.

Accordingly, about 200 persons, including a few women, today began their indefinite fast putting forward three demands.

The demands were closure of the shop and withdrawing of cases filed against those who had participated in the agitation in April, they said.

Another major demand was about taking stringent action against Pandirajan and for cancellation of his promotion as SP immediately, police said.