Anti-liquor protest spreads
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 29 2022: Raising certain questions on the motive behind legalising liquor, Coalition Against Drugs & Alcohol (CADA) and Nupi Samaj continue to register protests at different parts of the State with women organisations.

Today, protests were staged at Thiyam Konjil Keithel, Kyamgei Heibong Makhong both in Imphal East district and Lourembam Aripat in Thoubal district, said a statement issued by CADA.

Some of the common placards which were used at all the protest sites were whether consuming legalised liquor will control instances of crime, what counts healthy or fine liquor, will War on Drugs be successful without covering liquor, is there no alternative to earn the State's revenue and withdraw the Cabinet's decision.

Nupi Samaj too registered their protest at Thangmeiband THAU gate along with other women organisations including Thangmeiband Apunba Nupi Lup (THANIL) and staged a short protest rally near THAU ground.

Nupi Samaj president Th Ramani cautioned that the State will head into an uncertain and gloomy future if the Government doesn't withdraw the nod given to legalise liquor.

Saying that alcoholism is a social issue which has been plaguing the State for decades, Ramani said that 'our society' will never progress if the chain of addictions and alcoholism is not broken.

THANIL general secretary Brojeshwori Laipubam said that the people in power must not exercise the power conferred upon them freely as it will have a severe consequence on the masses.

It is worth noting here that Health Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan has responded to some of the critical questions being raised by a section of people on lifting prohibition during a function held in Konthoujam Constituency by stating that the Government resolved to lift prohibition after exploring all merit and demerit for over two years and taking the ground reality into consideration.

Thiyam Konjil
Thiyam Konjil Women Development Organisation and CADA Imphal East District Committee jointly organised a sit-in protest at Thiyam Konjil Keithel and asked the Government to revoke the decision taken to lift prohibition partially.

Speaking to media persons, member of the women's organisation Choudhurimayum Purnimashi Devi said that the number of young widows will increase significantly if the Government legalises liquor.

Kyamgei Heibong Makhong
Here, All Kyamgei Apunba Meira Paibi Lup and CADA Imphal East District Committee and CADA, Imphal East staged another protest demonstration against the move of the Government.

The protesters claimed that the ambition of the Government to make Manipur a self-sufficient State in terms of food production will remain a distant dream if the Government doesn't cancel the decision.

They urged the Government to withdraw the Cabinet decision.

Aripat
Aripat Women Development Association and CADA also demonstrated their opposition to legalising liquor by staging a sit-in protest at Lourembam Aripat.

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