CADA calls Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Second Amendment) Bill 2018 humiliating
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17 2019:
Expressing strong opposition against the Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Second Amendment) Bill 2018, Coalition Against Drugs & Alcohol (CADA) and Nupi Samaj have demanded to strengthen the Manipur Liquor Protection Act 1991 and prohibit liquor for good in the State.
Speaking to media persons at CADA's office in Konung Mamang, CADA president in-charge Hijam Priyokumar said that the Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Second Amendment) Bill 2018, which was introduced on July 23 last year in the Manipur Legislative Assembly, is not acceptable in the State adding that CADA and Nupi Samaj are strongly against the Bill.
He maintained that liquor has destroyed the lives of many and has been creating enough issues, including crime against women and children, in Manipur asserting that such Bill should never be implemented.
Narrating the movement of 'Nisha bandh' by women of the State since 1980, he alleged that the State Government concerned at that time as well as the present Government have failed to take any positive actions in support of the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991.CADA president further stated that the State Government's decision to legalise liquor and export it for just revenue purpose is rather unfortunate and has humiliated the CSOs and Meira Paibis who have been fighting against alcohol for a long time.
He noted that 53 percent of men and 6 percent of women indulge in alcohol, which is a fact.
Stating that the State Government is seeking public's opinion of the said Bill, he demanded that the 5 member select committee should withdraw the Bill from the house immediately and further urged to, strengthen the then Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991.Nupi Samaj president Th Ramani was also present in the meet.