Women's Fury Erupts Over Illicit Liquor Menace in Jajpur
Hundreds of determined women gathered at Binjharpur police station in Odisha's Jajpur district on Wednesday, launching a powerful protest against the flourishing illicit liquor trade in their community. The agitators demanded immediate closure of all illegal alcohol outlets operating in and around Mansada Chhack area along the crucial Jajpur-Singhpur main road.
The protest escalated dramatically when women blocked the main road leading to Binjharpur police station, bringing traffic to a complete standstill for approximately three hours. Their demands were clear and uncompromising: immediate arrest of all illicit liquor manufacturers and sellers who have been operating with apparent impunity in their locality.
Repeated Pleas Ignored by Authorities
According to Baijayanti Das, one of the key protesters, the community had exhausted all formal channels before resorting to direct action. "We submitted memoranda to the district collector, superintendent of police, police officials and excise officials many times to stop the sale and making of illicit liquor at Manasada village and its nearby areas," she explained. "But the authorities did not pay any heed to our pleas for which we gheraoed the police station."
The women protesters highlighted the severe difficulties faced by women, girls, and students who must navigate roads dominated by drunkards. The situation has become so dire that ordinary activities like walking to school or market have turned into daily challenges requiring courage and caution.
Community Support and Broader Concerns
The women's movement received substantial support from men in the community who recognize the destructive impact of uncontrolled liquor and narcotics. Sarojini Mallick of Manasada voiced a common concern: "Unchecked flow of illicit liquor and narcotics have started wreaking havoc on people of our area. Anti-social activities have gone up in the locality. Police in many areas seem to have turned a blind eye to this illicit trade."
Sarala Mallick provided deeper insight into the economic devastation caused by alcohol addiction. She revealed that daily wagers, farmers, fishermen and local residents are spending significant portions of their income on liquor, leaving families struggling for basic necessities. The women are particularly angry about what they perceive as collusion between officials and illicit liquor traders.
Police Response and Social Impact
The protest drew immediate attention from senior police officials who rushed to the scene to pacify the agitators. Ranjan Kumar Mallick, IIC of Binjharpur police station, provided assurances to the community. "We discussed with the agitators and assured them of legal action against illicit liquor sellers and makers soon," he stated.
Social worker Dilip Roul characterized the protest as a positive movement against liquor addiction that has been consuming family resources of poor villagers. His powerful statement captured the essence of the movement: "We don't want alcohol, we want water." This simple yet profound demand reflects the community's desire for basic amenities and a dignified life free from alcohol-related problems.
The protest at Binjharpur represents a growing grassroots movement in rural Odisha where women are taking leadership roles in combating social evils that threaten family stability and community safety.
