Lup threatens stir over liquor policy
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 24 2022:
Denouncing the cabinet decision of legalising liquor in the state, Nongchup Imphal Palem Ima Apunba Lup (NIMPAL) has cautioned of launching intense protest by joining hands with women organisations and Meira Paibi groups if the government does not withdraw the move to lift the liquor prohibition law.
Speaking to media persons at its Uripok office, here on Friday, NIMPAL secretary general S Shanti Leima criticised the government for not taking up any effective preventive measures to ban liquor in the state despite imposition of the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991 for the last 30 years.
The attempt to legalise alcohol by overlooking the Act will not be accepted, she asserted.
While lauding the government for its 'War on Drugs' mission, Shanti, however, questioned whether liquor, also an addictive substance is not covered under the mission.
Government can't ignore the fact that most of the crimes in the state are committed under the influ ence of liquor.
Regarding the statement of the government claiming that the legalisation was done after discussing with the people for the last two years, Shanti asked who the discussants were and demanded to make public the identities of the discussants.
She pointed out that the declaration of dry state is because of the struggle made by womenfolk to save Manipur and further termed the government's move to legalise liquor with no hesitation as shaming the movement of the women and mothers of the land.
Nowadays, not only men but women also consume alcohol, she noted and enquired whether such change is the example of the development that the government is claiming to have bought about in the state.
She appealed to government to work for development of the society and ensure peace and progress instead of manufacturing and selling 'quality liquor' .