Manipur has finally shed the tag of being a ‘dry state’ as the state government issued a gazette notification, lifting the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act in some areas of the state on Wednesday amid the demands raised to withdraw and make the Act stronger by the Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) and All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj).
The gazette notification mentioned that under the proviso to sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991 (Manipur Act. No. 4 of 1991), the Governor of Manipur “hereby withdraws the said Act from the areas of Greater Imphal, district headquarters, tourist locations in the state and registered hotel establishments with not less than 20 lodging rooms.”
It further mentioned that the notification shall come into force with effect from the date of publication of the official gazette of Manipur.
Although the decision provides for legalisation of production, manufacture, possession, export and import, transport, purchase, sale and consumption of liquor, Chakpa villages are not covered in the new government notification.
Chakpa villages like Sekmai, Andro and Phayeng falling under Sekmai assembly constituency are known for production of world famous good quality local brew.
The areas covered by Greater Imphal include Kontha Khabam, Lamlongei, Kontha Ahallup, Kairang (Meitei), Konsam Leikai, Lairikyengbam Leikai, Laipham Siphai, Khurai Sajor Leikai, Khurai Thongam Leikai, Khurai Laishram Leikai, Moirang Kampu, Bashikhpng, Top Dusara, Top-Dusara (Imphal), Laingampat, Ningthoubung, Chingangbam-Leikai, Khaidem Leikai, Kongkham Leikai, and Porompat.
It also includes Khurai Khongnangma-khong, Top Naoriya, Kshetrigao, Naharup, Kongba Nongthombam Leikai, Ganga Pat, Keikhu Hao, Thangbrijou, Uchekon Khunou, Uchekon, Maning Pat, Nandeibam Leikai, Khongman, Torban (Khestri Leikai), Luwangei, Thongju, Kithapanung, Loumanbi, Wangkhei-Loumanbi, Takhok Awang, Bamon Kampu, Machahal and Kiyamgei Kajipat in Imphal East.
Iroisemba, Meitei Langol, Bijoygovinda, Lamjaotongba, Sagolband, Sangaiprou Maning, Langthabal-Kuja, Langthabal-Mantrikhong, Meitram, Malom-Tulihal, Malom-Tuliyaima, Ningombam, Langthabal Lep, Mongsangei, Sangaiprou-Mamang, Heinou Khongnembi, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa, Maibam Leikai, Sorokhaibam Leikai, Ahongsangbam Leikai, Oinam Thinge1 (Khongnangpheidekpi), Laiphrakpam-Leikai, Naorem-Leikai, Oinam Leikai areas in Imphal West also come under the covered areas.
Meanwhile, CADA and Nupi Samaj have stated that “the state government not taking any decisive action to resolve the prevailing crisis and rather giving attention to liquor is extremely unfortunate.”
During an interaction with the Imphal Free Press, one Kh Kumar of Keishamthong Top Leirak said that the state government might have considered the step to lift the liquor prohibition to mitigate adverse effects which the economy of the state have suffered. “But who is going to monitor those who are selling liquor, especially the Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) at black market with double the rate of the maximum retail price?” he questioned.
Before the prohibition on liquor was lifted, various types of alcohol brands including IMFL, beer etc. have been abundantly available already even at police canteens, etc. but at over double times the rate of printed maximum retail price, he mentioned.
He appealed to the government to monitor the rates if alcohol is going to be sold openly in some areas of Manipur as many shops are already selling all types of liquor at higher rates by paying some amounts of illegal taxes.
