Despite the JCPB affirming the decision to ban the sale of liquor in and around Purana Bazaar, several pockets of shops still sold (Morung file photo).
Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 7
In spite of the resolution adopted by the Joint Council Purana Bazaar (JCPB) to impose a ‘blanket ban’ on the illegal sale of alcohol within the jurisdiction of Purana Bazaar, the implementation has not been 100% fool-proof as liquor is still being sold in pockets of shops in the area.
“It has become dikdar (difficult) to get alcohol these days after the council’s decision, but it’s still available in some places,” said one resident shopkeeper. Several local residents told The Morung Express that most of the shops and places selling liquor have closed down or relocated but a few pockets still remain ‘if you know where to look.’
As the festive season has kicked-off in Dimapur, most bootleggers become visible in the area after 6:00 PM said another shopkeeper. One auto-driver pointed to a back-alley on the side of the road where liquor can be bought. The alleyway led to a dimly-lit shanty where a man was seen waiting outside for customers. People would come in and out of the alley carrying black plastic bags containing the liquor. In another location, one individual was sitting outside a closed gate awaiting customers.
“The ones still selling are doing it at a big risk because if the colony council finds out, it will land them in trouble,” admitted one resident.
Earlier, the JCPB on September 24 this year carried out a mass rally in support of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989 and to curb anti-social activities, use of drugs and other related substances under their zones. The rally included saw the turn up of hundreds of school students, youths, women folk and church members taking part in a procession from Darogajan Bridge to Government Higher Secondary School, Purana Bazar. The joint colony council included Model colony, New colony, Joraphukuri colony, Middle Colony, Mt View colony and High School colony.
“We have also appealed to the respective house owners not to allow such businesses to operate from their premises,” Vikugha Kappo, Convenor of the co-ordination team said at the time. They had also requested the District Administration, Excise Department and the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur to take action against the offenders under appropriate sections of the law.
