Nupi Samaj demands ‘appropriate’ response over liquor legalisation

Imphal: Nupi Samaj, a Manipur women organisation, has urged the state government to give ‘appropriate’ response on the demand of women bodies over liquor legalisation.

Nupi Samaj and Mayang Langjing Semgat Sagatpa Nupi Lup (a women organisation) had served a deadline on Monday to let the people know if the state government would withdraw its decision of liquor legalisation by October 10.

There is no need to hold a meeting for Imas (women folk) with the chief minister regarding on the present issue on liquor legalisation,  instead the government should give a proper response on the demand of Imas, Nupi Samaj president Th. Ramani said.

The women leader was speaking to reporters during a sit-in staged against liquor legalisation and to withdraw the state Cabinet decision on liquor legalisation, at the community hall of Thamnapokpi Market, Imphal East on Wednesday.

The protest was jointly organised by Women Society, Thamnapokpi and Nupi Samaj.

Ramani said Nupi Samaj is ready to hold a meeting with the state government only if could bring an amicable solution in the interest of Imas.

Concerning the impact of intoxicating elements to the society, the Imas will never accept the legalisation of liquor in any condition. Many incidents have been occurred including assaulting of women mentally, physically and morally under the influence of intoxicants. In the period of prohibition on liquor in Manipur the state government faces big issues in controlling different crimes that has been committing under the influence of consumption of intoxicants including liquor, she added.

Instead of holding a meeting with the Imas and discussing the matter, issuing a draft policy on Manipur Liquor Regulation showed that the present government is less consider for Imas, she said.

The draft policy was issued on Tuesday.

The government is now inviting the Imas for a meeting after the regulation is drafted. Imas will not retreat the movement and intensify it, Ramani said.

Nupi Samaj will not accept the condition and draft regulation of chief minister N. Biren Singh she added and cautioned the government that intense form of agitation will be launched on October 11 if the government fails to withdraw its step by October 10 deadline.