Reaffirming the stand of the state government on liquor legalisation, CAF and PHED Minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei on Monday stated that the state government will not go by pressure from civil society organisations who are objecting to the recent liquor legalisation order.
He stated this during the 8th foundation day celebration of Cine writers and Playwrights Forum, Manipur held at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy on Monday.
Attending the function as chief guest, Susindro said that the decision to legalise liquor will not be withdrawn at any condition because it was decided after analysing its pros and cons at microscopic level, consuming many years. The state government had invited all civil society organisations opposing the order to bring mutual understanding between state government and CSOs, he added.
He informed that just to start, the state government will buy 10 brewing machines and give two each to the Kabui community, Andro, Phayeng, Khurkhul, and Sekmai. All the brewers have to strictly obey brewery safety regulations and anyone found violating the norms are punishable. The state government will carry out inspections from time to time to ensure the said regulations, he asserted.
ALSO READ: Now, beer on the anvil in Manipur
He said that the state government had examined the brewing process taking place in various places particularly Andro, Phayeng, Sekmai and Khurkhul in the presence of experts. Those experts pointed out that the use of aluminium utensils and plastic bottles in most brewery units of the state is hazardous to health. Once the liquor legalisation is being implemented effectively such unsafe practices will be highly prohibited, the minister said.
Susindro said that films and Shumang Leela are some of the impactful mediums to spread the message in the state. In a state like Manipur inhabited by various communities, this tool is much needed to live peacefully and harmoniously, he said.
There is an expectation that writers of Manipur would continue to extend their support in bringing positive change in the state, he added.
ALSO READ: Manipur Cabinet decides to lift prohibition
As a part of the programme, prizes for 3rd Manipuri Film Script Competition 2022 were also distributed.
First award of the competition “Sarungbam Mani Ningsing Mana 2022” was bagged by Nabakumar Nongmeikapam and the name of script is Cheitheng; 2nd award “Gurumayum Sakhigopal Sharma Award 2022” was given to Kshetrimayum Nirupama Devi and script name is “Thawanmichak Laktagi; 3rd award “Khomdram Bidhu and Leimakhubi Ningsing Mana 2022” was given to Naorem Doren for his script “Amuba Chumthang” and special jury award “Ishwarchandra Khwairakpam Ningsing Mana 2022” was given Mangte Wesy Kom for the script Eigi Punsi.
Other dignitaries who attended the function were MLA of Heirok AC, Thokchom Radheshyam; chairman of Film Forum Manipur, L Surjakanta Sharma and president of Cine Writers and Playwrights Forum, Manipur, Manaobi MM as guests of honour and president respectively.
