Newmai News Network
Imphal | December 7
The Manipur Government's decision to lift the Liquor Prohibition Act has attracted strong opposition from many organizations that have been campaigning against the abuse of drugs and alcohol in the State.
While decrying the decision, the All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) and Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) alleged the incumbent government disregarded the voices of the people.
The bodies urged the state government to revoke the decision while insisting on effective enforcement of the prohibition Act instead of legalising liquor.
The State Janata Dal (United) also condemned the decision of the government which it alleged came amid the untold miseries being faced by the people due to the protracted ethnic violence in Manipur.
Addressing a press conference at its office in Imphal, JD(U) Spokesperson Dr Nimaichand Luwang questioned the logic behind the hasty decision of the government.
He maintained that while the government expects to collect Rs 600 per year in revenue by legalising liquor, a more significant question to ask is whether the revenue collected would be able to safeguard the future generation.
The legalisation of liquor will give a great negative impact to the youngsters who are the future pillars of the nation, he added.
As the decision was taken at a time when the State is reeling under severe crisis, the JD (U) strongly condemns the government, he said.
This development in the government showed that the people in the governance do not care for the people who are suffering untold miseries due to the protracted ethnic violence, he added.
Leaders of the Manipur unit of JD(U) including its president, the vice-president and other functionaries also attended the press conference.
"Instead of finding ways to resolve the conflict, the State BJP leaders had celebrated the victory of the party in other states of the country even as the people of the State had refrained from celebrating Ningol Chakouba, one of the biggest festivals of the state," the JDU leaders said.
"The people forwent the festival as a mark of mourning to the departed souls of those who died in the ongoing ethnic violence while the BJP celebrated its victory in other states", Dr Luwang added.