Joykumar raises posers on sewer project, liquor trade
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 20 2025: A delegation of National People's Party (NPP) Manipur met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for the second time on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in the state, along with key issues related to the resumption of the second phase of the sewer project and the regulation of liquor trade, which according to NPP is being run by a handful of individuals without any revenue to the state.

The Governor assured the NPP leaders that he would look into their concerns and take necessary action.

Speaking at a press conference at his Naoremthong residence, NPP state president Yumnam Joykumar informed the party delegation had raised the issue of restoring peace and security in the state.

He emphasised that normalcy could not be achieved unless the armed youths of both communities are disarmed.

"We told the Governor that the government should prioritise disarmament, which should pave the way for political dialogue," Joykumar stated.

In response, the Governor reportedly assured the NPP leaders that the government was open to voluntary surrender of arms and might not take action against those who comply.

However, he warned that if force were used to recover weapons, it could lead to unwanted consequences.

The NPP delegation also raised concerns regarding the second phase of the sewer project, which, according to them, was being implemented despite the failure of the first phase.

They highlighted that the first phase of the project, undertaken in Imphal, had caused severe logistical inconvenience to the public.

Though they acknowledged that temporary inconvenience was acceptable for the greater benefit of society, they pointed out that the project had failed to deliver its intended benefits.

The NPP team alleged that the second phase of the project was being pushed forward due to the vested interests of some contractors, despite its technical infeasibility.

They asserted that rather than improving the sewerage system, the project had resulted in severe damage to road infrastructure, which would require additional public funds for repairing, and urged the Governor to reassess the project and scrap it if necessary.

Another major concern raised by the NPP leaders was the regulation of liquor trade in the state.

Joykumar recalled that when he was the deputy chief minister, the state government had recommended lifting the prohibition on the sale of liquor despite strong opposition from civil society organisations, Meira Paibis, and the general public, in the larger interest of the state's revenue.

The matter was subsequently referred to an assembly committee for further deliberation.

He stated that although he had heard that the government had lifted the prohibition, he was uncertain whether any warehouses had been set up for liquor distribution.

More concerning, he claimed, was the fact that a few individuals are now said to be controlling the liquor trade and making profits without contributing any revenue to the state's exchequer.

Manipur is a small state with limited revenue resources.

The Centre has recommended implementing the 8th Pay Commission, but Manipur will struggle to implement it due to financial constraints.

A proper policy for liquor sales could generate around Rs 2000 crore annually, which would significantly boost the state's revenue, the NPP leaders informed the Governor.

They urged him to look into the issue and ensure that liquor sales are properly regulated to benefit the state financially.

At the end of the press conference, Joykumar appealed to the people of the state to cooperate with the government in restoring peace and stability.

He emphasised that all stakeholders should work together to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

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