Women associations appeal Dr Najma not to approve Liquor Prohibition (Amendment) Bill
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 19 2018: In connection with the proposed Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Amendment) Bill 2018, All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj), Manipur along with All Manipur Tami Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup have urged the State Govemmentto revoke the Cabinet's decision to introduce the said Bill at the Manipur Legislative Assembly, which is set to begin tomorrow.

All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and development Samaj today submitted a memorandum to Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and appealed not to put assent to the proposed Manipur Liquor Prohibition (Amendment) Bill 2018.Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club, Nupi Samaj president Th Ramani Claimed that although Manipur has been declared a dry State since 1991 under the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991, the reality is quite the opposite and the Act remains for only name sake.

She asserted that the traditional customary brewing of alcohol is not meant for business purpose however, it should never be legalised in the name of tradition.

Pointing out that although it is rather an easy job for the -State Government to ban intoxicating substances including liquor and drugs, Nupi Samaj president claimed that the State Government has failed to take up any concrete actions so far.

She stated that many lives have been lost, many women became widows, several families were shattered and many children are left futureless due to the evils of alcohol consumption.

However, she questioned, why the situation has resulted in a manner which will allow open brewing of liquor and exporting it to other States.

"It is a fact that the victims most affected by alcohol are womenfolk and children", she added.

She stated that the cause for legislation of liquor should not be viewed only from the perspective of earning taxes but the Government should consider the effects of major social evils caused by alcohol consumption.

She said that Nupi Samaj, in coordination with other like minded organisations and such other groups, have been perpetually working for the effective prohibition of liquor and other intoxicants in the State, leading to the passing of various prohibition Acts in Manipur.

Considering the future of the present generation, Nupi Samaj president appealed the authorities concerned to implement the Manipur Prohibition Act 1991.During the meeting, the Governor assured to look into matter and take appropriate decision in the larger interest of the people, when the Bill is passed and sent for her consent.

However, she could not give her assurance whether the Bill will be passed or not at the monsoon session.

On the other hand, a press statement issued by All Manipur Tami Chingmi Apunba Lup general secretary Kh Sanahanbi further urged the State Government to consider the consequences if the prohibition is lifted.

It condemned the State Govt's plan to plant barley to replace paddy, allegedly for brewing liquor.

The State Govt should seek other/ possible means for enhancing the economy of the State as the outcome of planting such crops, whether paddy or barley, is for liquor production which is a source of disintegrating the society, it asserted.

The associations urged the State Government not to take up initiative for legalising the brewing/ production of country liquor and instead to indulge in other potential resources available for enhancing the source of income of the State.

Urging the authorities concerned to consider the consequences which the people will face if the said Bill is introduced, the associations cautioned the State Government that all the organisations and women of Manipur will launch different forms of agitations if the State Government neglects the plights and demands of the associations.

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