Nupi Marup too joins voice of protest
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 23 2022:
Claiming that the decision taken by the Cabinet to lift prohibition has rendered the movement being carried out by mothers to end drug menace and alcoholism meaningless, the All Manipur Nupi Marup (AMNM) has urged the State Government to retract the decision at the earliest.
A press release issued by AMNM also strongly condemned the Cabinet decision taken on the ground that the 'State couldn't prevent the sale and consumption of liquor despite enforcement of Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991' .
It further claimed that the number of liquor vendors and the rate of alcohol consumption have been rising exponentially in Manipur despite being a dry State for nearly 31 years as there was shortage of manpower and machinery at the Excise Department.
Claiming that unemployment and corruption are some of the social factors which contribute to rising alcoholism, AMNM stated that alcohol abuse not only harms the drinkers but also causes extensive damage to the society as a whole due to rise in domestic violence.
The Cabinet decision taken on the pretext of developing tourism and to collect revenue will only encourage the youth of the State, especially unemployed, to drink more, it added.
Urging the State Government to withdraw the nod given by the Cabinet immediately, AMNM said that it would be wise to analyse the harm of lifting prohibition will bring upon the State.
AMNM stated that they will extend all support to the initiatives taken up to save lives.