Imphal, May 10: Taking strong exception against the statement of three MLAs, that lifting prohibition will go a long way in improving the financial position of the State, the All Manipur Anti-Drugs Association has questioned how far they will go shoulder the responsibilities of any unwanted development.

MPP MLAs Ng Bijoy and Dr I Ibohanbi and independent MLA Morung Makunga had yesterday stated in the Assembly that prohibition has had not any impact while drinking and brewing alcohol illicitly have been on the rise.

As such they had reasoned that lifting prohibition will help the State exchequer.

Reacting to the observation of the three MLAs, the vice president of AMADA while talking to the media said that the stand of the MLAs is in direct contrast to the social drive b eing taken up against alcohol consumption.

Making its stand clear, the AMADA leader said that the association was not formed by a group of rag tag army.

It was formed by people who could no longer tolerate the ill effects of drugs and alcohol in the society.

The vice president was candid enough in admitting that the steps taken up by AMADA is still at its fledgling start and added that it is yet to achieve even 5 pc of its intended target of totally stopping alcohol consumption.

Giving reasons for the inability of AMADA to completely stop alcohol consumption and its sale, Krishnamohan said that it is due to the poor strength of AMADA, the failure of the Government to look into the needs of certain communities who eke out a living by selling alcohol and the custom of brewing alcohol in connection with traditions and religion.

Another factor is the point that the Liquor Prohibition Act of 1991, passed by the State Government does not cover the military establishment.

It is for this very reason why IMFL meant for the military are being sold to the public, said the AMADA leader and pointed to the liquor being sold at the MR canteen.

Discussions are also underway to wean away the liquor vendors, who brew the liquor as per their traditions and custom, from the trade of selling the liquor and find alternate means to sustain their livelihood. If no solution can be worked during such the discussions, then AMADA has worked out certain policies and programmes to implement its agenda, he informed.

Asserting that AMADA is fully committed to its endeavour to fight alcoholism and drug abuse, the vice president however conceded that their mission is fraught with uncertainty and danger.

Only yesterday a man and woman were hauled up for their immoral activities, he added.

Alcohol has led to moral depravity and many a home lies scattered today, he said and added that under the influence of alcohol, a number people, elderly people at that have been found committing adultery and other immoral activities.

Despite this social reality, it is really unfortunate that the three MLAs should moot lifting prohibition, said the AMADA leader.

At best the statement of the three MLAs amount to nothing incoherent utterings.

If they are under the impression that lifting prohibition will better the financial position of the State, then they might as well resign from their posts, he averred.

Sounding a stern warning, the AMADA leader said that the three MLAs should come out with a clarification soon or else they will be taken as agents working against the anti-alcohol and drugs campaigns.

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