Newmai News Network Aizawl |July 2 Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), a non-Congress and non-Mizo National Front (MNF) pre-poll electoral alliance formed by 7 political parties or groups, has pledged to lift the existing Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition and Control) or MLPC Act, 2014 if it comes to power in the next assembly elections. The MLPC Act, which allows opening of liquor shops in the state came into force under the Congress led state government since January, 2105. There are more than 26 retail liquor shops and 2 bars across the state. Mizoram goes to the poll later this year. Speaking to reporters at a press conference here on Monday, ZPM general secretary, K. Sapdanga, who is also the editor of largest local vernacular paper “Vanglaini” said they will lift the existing liquor if they come to power in the upcoming assembly elections. He said that the MLPC Act has strongly impacted the Mizo society and many youths have died due to consumption of liquor. The Congress government did not enforce the liquor law in stricter manner due to which many people are being put at stake, Sapdanga further alleged. “We are strongly against opening of liquor shops and we are determined to lift the law as it affects the Mizo society as a whole,” he said. The ZPM leader, however, is not sure whether or not his government will impose total prohibition in the state. “Our first target is to lift the existing liquor law and put an end to relaxation of liquor consumption in the state. We will decide whether or not to impose total prohibition after forming ministry,” he said. Last week, Mizo National Front (MNF) president Zoramthanga had alleged that over 500 policemen and 5,000 civilians have died due to consumption of liquor after opening of liquor shops since 2015. Sapdanga then said that his government will purchase gingers at the rate of Rs 50 per kilogram to ease off farmers. He alleged that almost all the ginger growers could not sold their products as the government did not arrange market. Ginger is one of the main cash crops of Mizoram, whose population of more than 70 per cent are agriculturist. Rev. K. Thanzauva, an eminent retired pastor and Lalrinpuii, a resigned government servant, who accompanied K. Sapdanga said that his priority is to uproot corruption and bring transformation in the state. He urged the people to support ZPM for bringing transformation and establishment of good system in the state. The ZPM was formed in August last year initially by Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP), Mizoram People’s Conference (MPC) and Zoram Exodus Movement (ZEM) and later joined by Zoram Decentralisation Front (ZDF), Zoram Reformation Front (ZRF) and Mizoram People’s Party (MPP) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). ZPM constituent MPC has one sitting MLA in the present government.
