Imphal, Dec 16: Expert committee on formulation of the whitepaper on lifting prohibition of liquor in Manipur has invited opinions and views from the civil society organisations(CSOs), NGOs and individuals on the Manipur government’s decision for partial lifting of the prohibition on liquor from the state.
“Opinions/views, if any, on the state government’s decision for lifting the prohibition on liquor from the state of Manipur, are invited from all CSOs/NGOs/individuals in writing to be submitted (through post/by hand) to the office,” a public notification issued by the Commissioner of Excise said.
The commissioner is also the chairperson of the Expert Committee on formulation of the “White Paper on lifting prohibition of liquor in Manipur.”
The opinions and views are to be submitted to the office within seven days from the date of publication of the notification, it added.
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The cabinet of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, on September 20 last, decided to partially lift the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991, which was later amended in 2002.
The decision was strongly opposed by women’s bodies and various civil society organisations and NGOs, particularly the Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (CADA).
The CADA joining hands with various women’s bodies have been protesting demanding revocation of the government decision.
Amid the objections, the state government issued Manipur Liquor Regulation Policy in the first week of October last.
On October 21, the state government further constituted the six-member expert committee with the Commissioner of Excise as chairman for formulation of the whitepaper.
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A massive public movement had led the state government to enact prohibition through the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act 1991, which was later amended in 2002.
Despite the ban, liquor consumption could not be effectively controlled and alcohol remained widely available.
The state government said it had taken the decision in view of health hazards caused by the consumption of illicit liquor.
NNN