Govt's stand to lift prohibition Voices of opposition continue to grow
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 25 2022: Voices of disapproval against lifting prohibition continues to grow with Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) and All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup (AMTCANL) warning of intense social unrest if the Government goes ahead with legalising liquor as approved by the Cabinet on September 20 last while Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM) and All Manipur Womens' Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) called for a comprehensive review of the decision.

Addressing the media at Keishamthong Laisom Leirak today, AMKIL president Lourembam Nganbi said that the decision taken by the Cabinet will only aggravate the woes of the people as addiction and alcoholism are the challenges which the State has been facing for decades.

Recalling that 'Nisha Bandh' movement was launched in the 1970s as domestic violence attributable to drug abuse and alcoholism rose significantly during that period, Nganbi maintained that Manipur was saved from being completely overwhelmed by alcoholism and addiction by 'our mothers who came forward and fought the social ills' .

Further stating that drug and alcohol continue to pose grave threat to 'our contemporary society,' Nganbi claimed that many offences reported were committed under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

She expressed disappointment with the State Government for deciding to legalise liquor instead of focusing on prohibition to save lives and the society at large.

Saying that the move of the Government is detrimental to the public health and socio economy of the State as huge amount of money will be spent on buying IMFL alone, Nganbi also said that legalising liquor will not uplift the living standard of the common people other than making the rich and influential people richer.

AMKIL takes the decision taken by the Cabinet on the pretext of revenue collection without consulting any stakeholder or CSOs with utmost seriousness, she said and asked the Government to instead pave the way for industrialisation or other initiatives which can improve the socioeconomic conditions of the State.

Nganbi also asked if the Government will allow commercialisation of poppy and ganja to earn revenue for the State too.

Urging the Government to revoke the decision at the earliest, she warned that AMKIL and other women organisations will launch a series of intense agitations if the Government ignores the demand.

The All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup (AMTCANL) also condemned the lifting of prohibition and said that the mothers of the State are ready to launch a strong movement to save lives.

In a joint statement, PLMPAM and AMAWOVA said that they will not accept the decision taken by the Cabinet on lifting prohibition until the Government studies the pros and cons of the initiative with the stakeholders concerned and makes the finding public.

It said that local clubs, meira paibi lups and student organisations have been carrying out several movements to end drug menace and save the society from being overwhelmed by addiction and alcoholism completely.

The movements, however, could not get the desired results as the successive Governments never paid much attention to social ills being brought about by drug abuse and alcoholism, it claimed and asked the Government to review the decision taken on September 20 as it is not well received by a section of people.

PLMPAM and AMAWOVA also said that the War on Drugs campaign will not be effective if it doesn't cover liquor.

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