Nabarangpur: Thousands of women staged a protest in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district on Friday, demanding a crackdown on the illegal liquor trade, the closure of unauthorised liquor outlets and the declaration of the district as an alcohol-free zone.
The protest was organised under the leadership of the District Nari Mahasangha (Women’s Federation), with women from various panchayats and villages across all 10 blocks of the district participating in the agitation.
The protesters gathered at Chamuriaguda Square and raised slogans against liquor before taking out a rally through the town towards the District Collector’s office. They later submitted a 10-point charter of demands to District Collector Madhumita, seeking urgent intervention to curb the illegal liquor trade.
According to the Nari Mahasangha, the growing sale of country-made and foreign liquor in rural areas has contributed to an increase in domestic disputes, verbal abuse and threats against women.
The organisation also alleged that liquor shops were operating in Fifth Schedule areas in violation of Gram Sabha permissions and established regulations.
The federation has demanded the closure of unauthorised liquor outlets, legal action against those involved in the illegal liquor trade and the declaration of Nabarangpur as an alcohol-free district.
It has also called for the formation of a joint committee comprising representatives of the Nari Mahasangha and the police to monitor liquor-related activities and curb illegal sales.
Leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress joined the protest in support of the women’s demands.
Those present during the submission of the memorandum included Dabugam MLA and District BJD President Manohar Randhari, BJD leader Pradeep Majhi and District Congress President Lipika Majhi.
The Nari Mahasangha warned that it would intensify its agitation if the administration failed to address its demands within 15 days. The next phase of the protest would include gheraoing police stations across all blocks and staging demonstrations on major roads.
The memorandum, addressed to the Governor of Odisha and the Chief Minister, was submitted to the District Collector, seeking immediate action on the issues raised by the protesting women.
