The Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) Manipur on Tuesday demanded strengthening the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991 or framing of a more rigorous Act to make Manipur a full-fledged dry state.
CADA on Tuesday held a press conference at its office in Imphal East, reacting to Chief Minister N Biren’s statement made on the floor of the House regarding the legalisation of liquors in Manipur.
CADA secretary general Geetchandra Mangang said that the state government should also be held responsible for all the victims of alcohol abuse as it failed to prevent selling of liquor despite Manipur being a dry state.
He countered N Biren’s statement that legalisation of liquor will reduce the health impact as it will provide quality liquor. “On what basis will liquor become hygienic if produced with quality?” he questioned.
He further raised concern that the opening of bars on terraces of tall buildings in Imphal has become a trend. He alleged that those bars are also supported by people in power.
Legalisation may generate income but it will cause health hazards to a great extent, thereby spending a lot of money on treatment more than the generated income, he said. He appealed to the government to hold through deliberations and closely study the pros and cons of legalising liquor.
He said that Manipur is considered as the fourth most liquor consuming state in the whole country despite being a dry state, and questioned what the outcome might be if it is legalised.
Also Read: State examining issues of dry state or lifting prohibition: Manipur CM Biren
