Reacting strongly against Chief Minister N Biren’s statement in the Assembly regarding the legalisation of liquor, the Nongpok Leingak Apunba Nupi Lup (NLANL) on Friday reaffirmed that the Imas of Manipur will never allow legalisation of liquor in the state.
The statement of the chief minister to make available good quality liquor in the state for consumption is contradictory to the agenda of the Meira Paibis which was resolved in 1974-75 to combat illicit drugs and abusive substances, president of NLANL, Yumlembam Mema, said while speaking to the media at its office in Imphal East.
Despite Manipur being a dry state, many potential youths have died due to alcohol abuse while many have been left widows, she said, adding that the Imas (elderly women folks) will never encourage the youths who are the future pillars to consume liquor.
Regarding the CM’s statement she questioned, “How does he know that the drinks available in the state are of bad quality?”
If the government legalises liquor by going against the interest of the Imas, the president mocked, “We will start opening liquor vendors in locations such as the gate of CM’s bungalow, Raj Bhawan and Secretariat offices.”
She called for revoking the government steps to legalize liquor and cautioned that the Imas of Manipur will be compelled to take up a strong movement including boycotting of all the 60 MLAs.
“Don’t make liquor a reason for the 3rd Nupi Lal and don’t try to make Manipur a land of widows,” she added.
