Manipur still a dry State: CM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 20 2012:
Chief Minister Okram ibobi Singh has asserted that there is no violation of provisions of Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 as the Act is still in force in the State.
As Andro AC MLA Th Shyamkumar highlighted reported spurt in sale of different brand of foreign liquor in the State and suggested that such illegal practice/trade be effectively banned, the CM explained that inspite of promulgating the Act, there are certain relaxation such a sale of liquor at canteens of Central and State security forces.
Consequent to customary rights brewing or usage of local variety of alcohol is also associated with people belonging to ST or SC, he maintained.
With regard to crackdown on illegal sale of liquor, the CM cited Rs 6 crore revenue collected by the Excise Department in between 2006-07 till November this year to
substantiate his claim.
The Andro MLA, in raising the issue, highlighted that contrary to free sale of local brew at tribal-inhabited pockets of Imphal, frequent crackdowns are carried out at Sekmai and Andro, which are domains of SC population.