JDU says No to liquor production policy

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, January 18: Janata Dal United (JDU) has opposed Manipur government’s policy of producing liquor in the state for export terming it as unfortunate move against the people’s voice.

JDU, Manipur unit chief general secretary Maisnam Dolendro told reporters in a news conference held today at its office at New Checkon in Imphal East said JDU appreciate the stand of Coalition Against Drug and Alcohol (CADA) and Nupi Samaj againt the government’s attempt for liquor production.

 JDU also strongly opposes the state government initiative. Any decision taken up by civil society organization of the state will give full support and stand with them, Dolendro added.

Despite having the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 the policy of the state to manufacture liquor and export it is very unfortunate.

The liquor which is to be produced is from rice, the staple food of the state. Rice product in Manipur in Manipur is not sufficient to feed the masses in the state. With their no alternative planning to double cropping of rice at the present situation, the state will surely bring an acute famine if liquor production is taken up at large scale for export, he added.

JDU warned the state government that they should not forget Nupi Lal of 1939 that broke out due to acute famine occurred in the state. The government should not invite for another Nupi Lal by manufacturing Manipur liquor, it added.