CM's take on prohibition draws flak
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 25 2022: CADA has called out the Chief Minister for the statement he made at a political conference held at Khundrakpam AC yesterday that 'alcohol will be legalised' in the State if BJP returns to power in the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election.

In a statement issued today, Geetchandra Mangang, secretary general CADA, said alcohol and other intoxicants are one of the most important reasons behind the numerous problems in the State.

As per reports from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-20, 37.5 percent male and 0.9 percent female above the age of 15 years in the State consume intoxicants in one form or the other.

Consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants increases the number of domestic violence cases and a number of heinous crimes, he added.

Geetchandra added that since the 1970s women of the State have been taking the lead in movement against alcohol and drug abuse in order to prevent the ever increasing crimes related to alcohol and drug abuse.

CADA too has been engaged in spreading awareness about alcohol and drug abuse and anti-drug and alcohol campaigns at every nook and corner of the State.

The present and past Governments have in many instances tried to legalise alcohol but were dropped after CADA and the people strongly opposed the move, he added.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Chief Minister N Biren Singh was seen making the statement that if the people re-elected BJP Government to power, BJP will ensure that the people are served 'Indian Made Foreign Liquor' instead of the local liquor which are dangerous to health.

Geetchandra questioned the Chief Minister if consumption of 'Indian Made Foreign Liquors' are not injurious to health.

CADA also called out the Government for doing nothing despite people who are producing alcohol for 'customary and traditional practices' are openly commercializing it.

CADA will not be a mere silent spectator when the Government is trying to destroy the society, added the statement.

Maintaining that it was very unfortunate that no political parties have made a clear stand against drug and alcohol in their poll manifesto, CADA appealed the people of the State not to elect any candidate involved in any drug related cases.

Comment