Nupi Samaj asserts
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 03 2022:
Asserting that liquor cannot be legalized in the State, All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) has strongly condemned Chief Minister N Biren Singh's statement that the Government is considering lifting the ban on sale of IMFL in Manipur.
During a press conference held at the head office of All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj in Lamphel, Kh Indu, head advisor, stated that the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991 and the 'dry State' tag have no meaning as liquor is easily available.
The fault lies with the Government and not with prohibition, as such, she added.
Kh Indu accused the Government of failing to properly implement the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991 and maintained that if the administration sincerely wanted to stop the sale of alcohol, they could have easily done so.
She also accused the Government of taxing alcohol manufacturers, which is akin to supporting the manufacture and sale of liquor, she added.
In the past, the Chief Minister had also spoken out on the negative impacts of alcohol abuse.
Kh Indu added and expressed shock at the turn of events citing the consideration for legalization of IMFL.
The head advisor further said that the legalization of sale of liquor will not bode well for future generations.
She maintained that diligent efforts and protests from the side of women organisations have put a dampner in the sale of alcohol.
However, with legalization, the State will be flooded with easily accessible liquor which will lead the youths astray.
Liquor should also come under the purview of 'War on Drugs', Kh Indu opined and called for strict implementation of Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991 and concerted efforts from all sections of society to combat this problem.
The head advisor also cautioned that a series of agitation will be launched if the Government proceeds with the legalization of sale of IMFL.
Th Ramani, president, All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj said that Manipuri women have been fighting against the abuse of illicit substances with the establishment of 'Nisa Bandh' since 1975.Strongly condemning the Chief Minister's statement, she asserted that mothers of the State will never stand for the legalization of alcohol.
She also pointed out that abuse of illicit substances including alcohol abuse leads to an increase in violence in the household.
As such, she appealed to the Government to not proceed with legalizing the sale of IMFL in the State.