CADA strikes strong anti-Liquor Bill stand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 21 2018:
Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) has warned intense agitation if Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Second Amendment) Bill 2018 is passed in the ongoing Monsoon State Legislative Assembly session while urging the State Govt to revoke its decision considering the possible negative consequences of the Bill to the public and the society at large.
Speaking to media persons at CADA office at Konung Mamang today, its secretary finance T Geetchandra Mangang, warned that CADA will launch stringent agitation if the Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Second Amendment) Bill 2018, which was tabled in the Monsoon Assembly session yesterday, is passed.
Considering the impact and the consequences of the agitation, he urged the State Government not to attempt to pass the said Bill.
The public has been protesting against the Liquor Prohibition Amendment Bill and the Government should remove its motion to legalise liquor brewing and exporting it.
Urging the authorities concerned to oppose the Bill, memoranda were submitted to the Governor, Chief Minister and Opposition leaders yesterday, while, similar memos were also submitted to CAF & PD Minister Karam Shyam and other authorities concerned.
Following the invitation from Dy CM, a five member team of CADA met him today at the Secretariat Office at around 11 am.
During the meeting, Dy CM Y Joykumar explained that the said Bill will allow the export of local liquor but will prohibit the sale of legalised liquor in the State itself, Geetchandra said.
Geetchandra continued that the Dy CM has assured that the State Government will be happy to hold a public dialogue and the Amendment Bill will be treated as per the conveniences of the public.
On the other hand, representatives of CADA gave their suggestions not to pass the Bill to the Dy CM, he added.
CADA has been launching different agitation against the the Bill at different areas of the State, he said while conveying that it will continue its protest until and unless the State Government withdraws the Bill.
Meanwhile, Geetchandra stated that the team also met Opposition leaders, including ex-CM Okram Ibobi and former Dy CM Gaikhangam, and they also assured CADA representatives that they would do the needful to allay the fear of the people.
On the other hand, a protest was staged by a yarious CSOs, Clubs and Meira Paibis at different locations today, against the Manipur Liquor Prohibition (2nd Ammendment) Bill 2018.Thingbaijam Ibeiyaima, president, Palem Ima Apunba Lup asserted "we must protect the youth from intoxicants." The Govt should not enact the Bill to save the younger generation, she continued.
On the other hand, various women organizations staged a rally at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai against the Manipur Liquor Prohibition (2nd Amendment) Bill at the ongoing Monsoon Assembly session.
The rally was however cut short as they were stopped by the at Keishampat Junction.
After a talk with the police, Thokchom Ramani, president Nupi Samaj and Phanjoubam Sakhi president, AMKIL were allowed to meet Deputy CM, Y Joykumar at his office chamber.
The women who took part in meeting stated that the Deputy CM'has promised to discuss the matter with women organizations and stake holders before the Bill is passed.
Comment
