Minister Susindro seeks public support on legalising liquor
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 16 2022:
The 5th 'Langbal Keithel', which is being organised by DS Enterprises at Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound, here, was inaugurated by CAF & PD and PHED minister L Susindro Meitei on Friday.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the fair which will continue till October 12, L Susindro lauded such initiatives where every product is made available and further urged not to hike prices of the items.
He also suggested putting up price list in front of all the stalls.
While maintaining that people may ridicule the government regarding its take on liquor, the minister said that all they are doing is for the people.
The initiative of the government to legalise liquor is not only for revenue generation.
Most of the patients treated under CMHT are for liver related problems due to consumption of spurious liquor.
As such, it has made the scheme meaningless.
Highlighting the need to examine legalisation of liquor with regulations, he said that liquor has been used and is related with the culture of the land.
It is said that people used liquor from birth till death.
Those who are against legalisation of liquor may not know that liquor is even served in their birth ceremony.
Moreover, production of liquor as a part of the culture cannot be restricted.
So, legalisation of liquor would be better for all, he opined.
Pointing out that liquor is found everywhere and the government could not control it despite putting in tremendous effort, Susindro appealed to the people to support the government in its initiative for legalising liquor.
Andro A/C MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar, who was also present at the event, said that that the fair is showcasing products of different communities.
Exhorting the people to support government's fight against drug menace, he informed that Manipur is ranked 5th in consumption of liquor despite being a dry state.
So, the government is trying to legalise it by visiting other states to examine how it is produced and legalised.
Reiterating that the legalised liquor will not be sold in Manipur, he said that such initiative will help in improving economy of the state.
The inaugural function was also attended by DS Enterprises chairman Heisnam Herojit and Imphal East additional deputy commissioner Shamim Ahmad Shah as presidium members.
Around 200 stalls are taking part in the fair.