Sekmai, Andro, others hail Liquor Bill
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 21 2018: People of many places like Andro, Awang Sekmai, Khurkhul, Koutruk, Leimaram and Phayeng have applauded the Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Second Amendment) Bill 2018.Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, Khullakpas and leaders of the villagers expressed their support to the Bill apart from hailing the incumbent Government for introducing the same Bill in the State Assembly.

Speaking on behalf of Phayeng villagers, former MLA Ningthoujam Biren said that brewing liquor and liquor are closely associated with the rites and religious practices of Chakpas since time immemorial.

The practice of Yupan Thaba is indispensable in many socio-religious functions like Ipan Thaba, Nahut-Nareng Tamba and at the time of death, he asserted.

"We are grateful to the incumbent Government for introducing Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Second Amendment) Bill 2018 in the State Assembly yesterday", said the former MLA.

If the Bill is passed and brewing liquor is legalised, Chakpas should be given preference, he appealed.

If the capitalists are given licences to manufacture liquor for export, the traditional practice of brewing liquor would be affected.

Moreover, it would be disastrous for the State if each and every village is allowed to brew/manufacture alcohol, Biren said.

The question of wasting rice does not arise as far as the existing practice of brewing liquor in Chakpa villages is concerned for their local rice produces are sufficient for consumption as staple food and brewing liquor, claimed the former MLA.

Andro Khullakpa Chingakham Gandhar and Sekmai Protection Committee president Angom Rajesh too expressed similar viewpoints.

Comment