10-Year-Old Girl's 17-Day Hunger Strike Shuts Liquor Shop In UP Village

A ten-year-old girl, Vanshika, from Kolara Kalan village, approximately 25 kilometres from Agra, has achieved a significant victory through her bravery and determination. She undertook a 17-day fast without consuming any food or water to demand the closure of a liquor shop established by the Excise Department in her village. The liquor shop had long been a concern for the women of Kolara Kalan. After its license renewal, protests reignited as women reported ongoing harassment, turning the shop into a major safety issue for the community. The harassment made it unsafe for women, particularly those passing by the shop during their daily activities.

10-Year-Old Girl's 17-Day Hunger Strike Shuts Liquor Shop In UP Village

The villagers had been on an ongoing protest since April 1, but the movement gained momentum only after 10-year-old Anshika  Sikarwar joined. Despite her parents' initial objections, 10-year-old Vanshika bravely decided to go on a hunger strike. “My parents requested me not to sit on the hunger strike, but I made my decision and went ahead with it,” she told The Times of India . Vanshika, having witnessed several instances of harassment in her village, was motivated to take action, feeling it was necessary for the safety and well-being of the women in her community.

During the protest, one of the villagers revealed that incidents of domestic violence had increased, as men, after consuming liquor, would often clash with their spouses and children. The liquor shop had become a focal point not only of harassment but also of rising domestic tensions, with men returning home intoxicated and causing disturbances within their families. The shop’s presence exacerbated the community’s already fragile social fabric, as it made it harder for women to feel safe and secure, both outside and at home. The harassment interfered with their everyday lives, making something as simple as walking down the street feel like an ordeal.

Amidst the protests and growing concerns, Vanshika ended her hunger strike after Babita Chauhan, chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission, offered her water and promised that the liquor shop would be relocated. This was confirmed by Agra excise officer Neeraj Dwivedi, who stated that the new location would be chosen after discussions with the villagers. The relocation plan was also confirmed by the contractor, offering the community a sense of relief and hope for a safer environment.