NIMPAL warns of unrest over lifting prohibition
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 24 2022:
The Nongchup Imphal Palem Ima Apunba (NIMPAL) has urged the State Government to immediately revoke the nod given to legalise sale and consumption of liquor to prevent unrest in the State.
Speaking to media persons at Uripok today, NIMPAL secretary general Soraisam Santi Leima further urged the Government to withdraw its decision on lifting prohibition after proper consideration .
Saying that alcoholism is a chronic issue in Manipur and it brings about domestic violence, Santi maintained that the reasons given by the State Government on lifting prohibitions were not convincing.
She also asked what defines fine or healthy liquor.
Asking if the Government had consulted with the stakeholders before lifting the prohibition which was in place for over 30 years, Santi added that the decision taken by the Government is detrimental to public health.
She also asked if collecting revenue is more crucial than the wellbeing of the masses, claiming that the nod given by the Cabinet will lead to erosion of moral values in the society.
Alcoholism and addiction are the major social issues which have been hindering the development of Manipur, she said and urged the Government to retract the decision at the earliest.
Claiming that there are students as young as those studying only in Class VI who drink alcohol while alcohol use among women is also increasing, Santi recalled that the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991 was enacted following a strong movement by the women to save lives.
She then warned that NIMPAL will launch a strong movement if the Government doesn't revoke the decision immediately.