Anti-liquor protest continues unabated with CADA leading the way Nupi Samaj sets Oct 10 deadline for Govt to respond

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 3 : Even as sit-in protests were staged at different places today demanding the revocation of Cabinet's decision to legalise liquor in the State, the All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) has set October 10 as the deadlien for the Government to respond to the call to roll back the decision to lift prohibition.
In the event of the Government failing to respond positively, Nupi Samja will be constrained to launch intensified agitation.
In line with the series of protests that have been taken up, Coalition Against Drugs & Alcohol (CADA) in association with local organisa- tions of the respective areas continued with sit-in protests at different places today.
Talking to reporters at Mayang Langjing in Imphal West district, advisor of Nupi Samaj, K Indu demanded the State Government to stop the attempt to amend the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991.
So far the womenfolk have been democratically asserting their stand against the move to legalise liquor. However, no positive response has been received from the Government till date, she added
“If the Government fails to give a positive response by October 10, Nupi Samaj is ready to launch intense forms of agitations along with local women bodies,” she warned.
Members of Nupi Samaj may also resort to fast unto-death agitations, she added.
During its meeting on September 20, the State Cabinet had decided to partially lift prohibition, which has been in force since 1991. Legalising the sale will help the Government monitor the process of brewing, the Government has been maintaining.
This line has however not gone down well with the Nupi Samaj and ever since the decision to lift prohibition, it has staged a number of sit-in protest across the State.
On the other hand CADA continued with its sit-in protests at different places.
Khurai
Nongpok Leingak Apunba Nupi Lup, Khurai Konsam Leikai Apunba Khunai Kanba Nupi Lup in association with CADA organised a sit-in protest at Khurai Konsam Leikai community hall today.
Speaking at the occasion, Khurai Konsam Leikai Apunba Khunai Kanba Nupi Lup secretary, Laishram Thambalsana strongly denounced the Cabinet decision to lift liquor prohibition in the State without consulting the civil society organisations, women organisations etc.
Considering the possible adverse impacts of legalisation of liquor, she maintained that womenfolk of Khurai are against the Cabinet's decision and urged the Government to revoke the same in the interest of all.
She further cautioned of stringent forms of agitation and a women's rebellion if the Government fails to actualise their demand.
The protestors raised slogans against legalisation of liquor.
Konthoujam
A similar protest was staged today at Konthoujam Kangjeibung community hall in Imphal West district jointly organised by Konthoujam Kangjeibung Mapal Chaokhat Khong-thang Lup and CADA Imphal East District Committee.
With regard to the Cabinet decision taken on September 20 to legalise liquor, representative of Konthoujam Kangjeibung Mapal Chaokhat Khong-thang Lup, Konthoujam Nungshi has urged the Government to retract the decision at the earliest failing which the mothers in the State will be compelled to take up extreme steps, said a press release by CADA.
Keirao
A public protest was also staged at Keirao in Imphal East district today organised by Keirao Lairembi Leikai Tarung Makhong Nisha Bandh in association with CADA Imphal East District Committee.
The protestors expressed concern that such a decision of the Government will lead to further degradation of the society which has been bearing the brunt of substance abuse and urged the Government to revoke the decision to protect the youth from falling prey to toxic habits.