AMWSRDS appeals
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 27 2021: The All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj (AMWSRDS) has sought attention of the Joint Secretary (Legn), Manipur Legislative Assembly in wake of the sitting of the Manipur Legislative Assembly's Select Committee scheduled tomorrow.

Notably, the Manipur Liquor Prohibition 2nd Amendment Bill, 2018 has been referred to the Select Committee.

In a letter addressed to the Joint Secretary (Legion), AMWSRDS apprised the ill effects of consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants.

With the implementation of Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1999, Manipur became a Dry State with which, brewing of alcohol, its sale and consumption are prohibited.

However introduction of the Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Second Amendment) Bill 2018 which aims at legalising liquor, shows that the State Government has failed to completely control brewing and consumption of alcohol, it said.

Asking if the Government is planning to legalise brewing of alcohol as it has completely failed to enforce the Act (Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1999), AMWSRDS questioned whether the same initiative would be extended to cultivation of poppy plants and manufacturing of opium products since the Government has also failed to control drug menace.

The aim of legalising liquor brewing when the State Government could not effectively enforce the Act is unjustifiable, it said while adding that there is still time for the Government to act and avert a possible colossal damage.

Attempt to pass the Bill merely for some revenues will only prove the Government's immaturity and lack of vision, it added.

AMWSRDS and the people will not accept any recommendation from the Select Committee to convert the Bill into Act, it said while urging the Joint Secretary (Legn) to dismiss the Bill at the earliest considering the interest of the people.

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