Anti-liquor protests continue; Oct 10 deadline set
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 03 2022:
Protests against the government's new policy of legalising liquor production and sale continued in different parts of the state on Monday with Nupi Samaj cautioning of launching intense agitation if the government does not withdraw the new policy by October 10.Nupi Samaj in association with Mayang Langjing Semgat Sagatpa Nupi Lup organised a sit-in protest at Mayang Langjing community hall on Monday.
Speaking at the protest site, Nupi Samaj advisor K Indu termed the decision of the state government as immature and irresponsible.
The recent decision of the government has rendered the decades-long movement of Meira Paibi against liquor and drugs useless, she rued.
Nupi Samaj has been organising protests in different parts of the state against the policy.
However, the government is still adamant.
Demanding the government to roll back the cabinet's decision by October 10, she warned of launching intense agitation if the government fails to do so.
Nongpok Leingak Apunba Nupi Lup and Khurai Konsam Leikai Apunba Khunnai Kanba Nupi Lup also jointly organised a sit-in protest at Khurai Konsam Leikai community hall on Monday.
Interacting with the media, Khurai Konsam Leikai Apunba Khunnai Kanba Nupi Lup secretary Laishram Thambalsana strongly condemned the government for taking the decision to legalise liquor without consulting the Meira Paibi organisations and CSOs working in this field.
They will not accept the policy of the government as it will have its negative impact irrespective of the revenue boost the government is looking for, she said.
The secretary also highlighted the issues being faced by the society to rampant consumption of liquor despite the Liquor Prohibition Act and demanded the government to produce a whitepaper on the policy so that the issue could be discussed in the public platform.
Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) also organised sit-in protests at Konthoujam in Imphal West and at Keirao in Imphal East district with local Meira Paibi organisations on Monday.
The protest at Konthoujam Kangjeibung community hall was organised in association with Konthoujam Kangjeibung Mapal Chaokhat Khongthang Lup while the protest at Keirao was organised in association with Keira Lairembi Leikai Tarung Makhong Nisha Bandhi.
Protestors demanded the government to withdraw the September 20 cabinet decision to legalise liquor.