Andro hails
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 24 2022: Even as some section of people have been opposing the partial lifting of Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991, Andro has become the first among the villages known for local brew to publicly hail the Cabinet decision.

A public meeting was held today at Pureilomba Sanglen at Andro Keithel to discuss the audacious decision taken on September 20 last by the Cabinet to regulate the sale and consumption of liquor in the State.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, chief of Andro, Sagolsem Chandra Meitei said that they support the Cabinet decision as it will uplift their living standards.

Saying that alcohol is a substance of great significance to the people of Andro as it is widely used in religious ceremonies, the village chief said that the villagers of Andro have also been practising unique traditional ritual of inviting ancestors' souls and offer them food, flowers and fine liquor during Langban Lam - Haiba as an annual observation.

Chandra Meitei further stated that liquor and fire are things of great importance to the people of Andro since their forefathers' time and will remain so.

He further lauded the State Government for lifting the prohibition nearly after 31 years.

Former chairperson of Andro Municipal Council Yumkhaibam Sajou Magang said that people of Andro, Sekmai, Khurkhul and Phayeng have been brewing liquor as a mandatory cultural practice since the past.

The Government taking a bold decision to promote local brew internationally was historic and deserves utmost appreciation as it will improve the socio-economic conditions of the State, he said and opined that a proper consultation with all stakeholders and CSOs concerned is also needed to take their inputs on lifting prohibition.

Secretary of All Andro Meira Paibi Association, Yumkhaibam Uamshori also lauded the Cabinet decision.

After the meeting, the gatherings chanted slogans in unison and expressed their approval on lifting the prohibition.

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