Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 10:
The proscribed outfit RPF has shut down three shops in Thangmeiband area for six months with effect from today as penalty for selling tobacco products in defiance of the ban imposed by it.
A large quantity of tobacco products seized from these three shops have also been consigned to flame at a place in Imphal East district today.
The owners of the three shops that have been penalised with closure are identified as Mongjam Ongbi Pramo (45) w/o Mongjam Sarat, Ngangbam Ongbi Pakpi (52) w/o Ngangbam Bhogen and Waikhom Ongbi Khomdonbi (55) w/o Waikhom Ibotombi Mangang, all residents of Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai.
All three of them were paraded before mediapersons somewhere in Imphal East today.
Speaking at the occasion, a spokesperson of the department of communication and publicity of the outfit said that on getting information about selling tobacco products in defiance of the ban imposed, a special drive was launched in Thangmeiband area and seized a large quantity of the banned substances from three grocery shops.
During the course of interrogating the accused it has been learnt that the tobacco products were supplied to them by one woman from Kangpokpi who has been in this trade for a long time, the spokesperson said, adding that the three accused women would be handed over to their respective family members after giving proper advice although their shops should remain shut down for six months as penalty.
On the other hand, the outfit has expressed its gratitude to the staff of Royal Tour Travels for informing about smuggling of 3000 Mithamanas from Guwahati in one of its passenger bus by an individual that led to the seizure of the item on April 6 .
The outfit has also sought the co-operation of the people in connection with its drive on tobacco products.