Newmai News Network
Aizawl | February 8
Sticking to its pre-poll promises of bringing back "Total Prohibition" in Mizoram, the Mizo National Front (MNF) headed by Chief Minister Zoramthanga is mulling to introduce a new bill in the upcoming budget session, to impose prohibition on sales of alcohol.
State Excise & Narcotics minister Dr K. Beichhua said that a new bill seeking replacement of the existing liquor law - The Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition & Control) or MLPC Act, 2014 would be tabled in the upcoming budget session to be held in March next. He also said that the state government gives top priority to imposition of total prohibition on sales of liquor and will take effort to combat the menace of drugs and alcohol on a war footing.
“We will not backtrack from our decision to impose prohibition. A new legislation will be passed in the upcoming budget session to replace the MLPC Act and impose total prohibition in the state,” Beichhua said. He further said that the government had earlier declared prolonged “dry days” as a prelude to prohibition, which was quashed by the Gauhati high court following the petition filed by liquor vendors and warehouse dealers. "Thought the government desires to observe 'dry day' from now, but it has to respect the court order", he added.
Citing that drugs and alcohol have killed many young people and rendered many women as ‘widows’, the minister vowed that the government would not remain idle to curb the menace. He then called upon the people to extend support to the government in its fight against drugs and alcohol in the state.
The MLPC Act, introduced by Lal Thanhawla led Congress government came into force in January, 2015 replacing the 18-year-old total prohibition law. The first wine shop was opened in the state in March, 2015. The MNF had made a pre-poll promise that it will re-impose prohibition in the state if it comes to power. Soon after assuming power, Zoramthanga led MNF government closed down nine liquor shops run by government agencies.
