Manipur has witnessed a shift in its liquor laws, with the recent decision by the N Biren government to withdraw the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991 from selected areas. Initially set up to legalize liquor production, sale, and consumption, this move faced backlash from various groups, especially women-centred organizations and political parties, citing it as a rushed decision amidst ongoing unrest.
The government's notification, published in the Gazette on December 6, specified the withdrawal's scope—areas like Greater Imphal, district headquarters, tourist spots, and hotels with over 20 rooms. This withdrawal, sanctioned by the Governor, comes into force upon publication.
The Act's inception in 1991 responded to public demand, notably from women's groups, concerned about alcohol's social and domestic ramifications. Despite this, the government opted for a partial lift of the ban in September 2022, aiming to bolster revenue and curb health hazards linked to illicit alcohol.
However, objections surfaced from civil society bodies, particularly women's groups, questioning the decision's timing amid state unrest. Organizations like Nupi Samaj and Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol criticized the government's disregard for public voices, urging a reversal of the decision and a more stringent enforcement of prohibition laws instead.
Similarly, the Manipur unit of Janata Dal (United) condemned the move, citing concerns about its impact on the younger generation and the ongoing crisis in the state. Leaders emphasized the government's oversight in addressing the state's unrest while highlighting the contrasting scenarios of celebration by BJP leaders in other states and the mourning of ethnic violence by Manipur's people during the Ningol Chakouba festival.
This decision has sparked controversy, with concerns raised not just about revenue and health but also about the timing and sensitivity to the ongoing situation in Manipur.
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