Protests against lifting prohibition continue
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 27 2022: Mounting pressure on the State Government to withdraw the Cabinet decision to lift prohibition partially, Coalition Against Drugs & Alcohol (CADA) staged sit-in protests at different parts of the State while Nupi Samaj registered their protest at Haobam Marak Keisham Leikai, today.

Protest demonstrations were staged at Lamdeng Makha Leikai, Moirangkampu Sajeb, Keirao Wangkhem, Thinungei and Hiyanglam Waikhom Leikai by CADA along with several womenfolk.

During the sit-in at Haobam Marak Keisham, Nupi Samaj president Th Ramani said that the State which has already been troubled by drug addiction and alcoholism will head into an era of darkness if the Government goes ahead and lifts prohibition.

Saying that they mothers are steadfast in their stand against lifting prohibition, Ramani urged the State Government to revoke the Cabinet decision at the earliest .

Protests against lifting prohibition continue

Treasurer of Haobam Marak Keisham Leikai Meira Paibi Association, Keisham Rani said that none will be allowed to sell liquor at Haobam Marak Keisham Leikai even if the State Government legalises liquor.

At Moirangkampu, secretary of Moirangkampu Sajeb Women Welfare Association, Nongmaithem Bimola said that they will never accept the decision taken by the Cabinet on September 20 to legalise liquor in Manipur which was declared a dry State in 1991 following a strong movement by the mothers.

She then urged the State Government to understand the sentiments of the people and revoke the decision at the earliest.

She cautioned that the move of the Government will have a lasting consequence on the people and the State at large.

Further urging the Government to review the decision of the Cabinet and withdraw it to save public health and the socio-economy of the State, Bimola asserted that she supported BJP in the recent election but revising the liquor policy was upsetting.

One of the protesters at Keirao Wangkhem, Phijam Sanajaobi (secretary, Wangkhem Nongmai Leima Apunba Meira Paibi Lup), said that many of the public grounds in localities have become a favourite spot for the drinkers and the Cabinet decision will only aggravate the problems.

Saying that the Government not taking the issue of alcoholism seriously and giving a nod to legalise liquor is very unfortunate, she urged the Government to cancel the decision at the earliest.

Protesters at all the four sites chanted slogans and aired their opposition to the measure taken up by the Government.

At the protest site at Thinungei market shed, one of the protesters asked if legalised liquor is not harmful to health and whether revenue is more important than the wellbeing of the masses.