The Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) and All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) strongly opposed the state cabinet’s resolution to legalise liquor in the state.
Speaking to the media in a press meet held on Tuesday at CADA office, Nupi Samaj president Th Ramani said that while the people of Manipur are mourning the loss of their near and dear ones due to the prevailing unrest in Manipur, and the state government is concerned about the production of liquor.
“The state government not taking any decision to resolve the crisis and giving attention to liquor while the state is facing such a difficult situation is extremely unfortunate,” said Ramani.
She said that CADA and Nupi Samaj will not allow the lifting of Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 by the state government. “Why is the state government suddenly allowing production, manufacture, possession, import, export, transport, purchase, sale and consumption of liquor at such a critical juncture? Is there any hidden agenda?” she asked.
CADA general secretary Geetchandra Magang questioned how far the “best liquor” will reduce the rate of deaths, since the state government has been claiming always that the increasing number of deaths is due to adulterated liquor.
ALSO READ: Manipur Cabinet decides to legalise liquor
He further questioned whether the consumption of “best liquor” really makes one healthy, or if it will not cause any domestic violence. Pointing out that drugs or liquor is a product of society, he further stressed that problems will always be there until and unless there is a good system.
Meanwhile, many are opening bars, hotels and many girls and boys, even married women, have started consuming liquor and drinking at such bars. In such a situation, what the condition of Manipur will be if the liquor is openly provided to them, he questioned.
“We are already depending on rice imported from outside due to shortages in the production of our own local rice. If liquor is produced from our local rice, it will cause a huge pressure in our state,” Geetchandra said. The rate of liquor consumption has been already high though Manipur is a dry state. “Now that liquor production and consumption will be freely allowed, what will be the outcome?” he said.
The cabinet resolution should rather be withdrawn and make the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act stronger, he added.
