Sit-in, torch rallies protest liquor ban lift
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 01 2022:
Kongba Road Apunba Nupi Lup on Saturday staged a sit-in protest in front of Athletic Sports Association, Kongba Road Akampat Machin against the government's decision to legalise production and sale of liquor.
During the sit-in, the protestors held placards inscribed with the slogans like "Is legalisation of liquor not hypocritical of War of Drugs?", "Is everything not successfully prohibited to be legalised?", "Brewing and sale of liquor cannot be permitted", "Will there be no crime if legalised liquor is consumed?", "Will lifting the prohibition solve the problem?", "Is there no income for money other than from liquor?", and "What is good liquor?" Speaking on the sidelines, Kongba Road Apunba Nupi Lup general secretary Khangembam Premila denounced the government's decision to legalise liquor stating that it tantamount to undermining the long movement launched by many social organisations for its restriction.
There are many families drowning due to drugs and alcohol in the state and as such, the government must understand that Manipur is not Goa, she said.
Meanwhile, Coalition Against Drugs & Alcohol (CADA) along with other organisations continued to stage sit-in protests, denouncing the government's decision to legalise alcohol in Manipur.
According to CADA release, Wangkhem Meira Paibi, The Thoubal District United Women's Development Organisation (Thoubal Ima) and CADA jointly staged a sit-in protest at Wangkhem Bazar, Thoubal district on Saturday.
During the sit-in, the protestors raised slogans denouncing the government's decision and demanded the same be withdrawn at the earliest for the sake of society and also to prevent any further intense agitations.
CADA also collaborated with Hiyangthang Meira Paibi, Kodompokpi Mamang Leikai Meira Paibi, Kodompokpi Maning Leikai Meira Paibi, Ningombam CADA Unit and Langthabal Lep Makha Leikai Meira Paibi in carrying out a torch rally against liquor legalisation at around 7pm on Friday.
During the rally, which was taken out from Ningombam till Langthabal Lep Makha Leikai, the protestors raised slogans such as "No liquor legalisation in Manipur", "Cabinet should withdraw its decision", "Save the people from liquor", etc.