Notice issued for lifting prohibition

Imphal: The Manipur government lifted the ban on liquor in Greater Imphal and district headquarters, including tourist locations and registered hotel establishments with not less than 20 rooms, through a gazette notification on Thursday. On December 4, the cabinet took the decision and approved several areas of the liquor industry, including production, possession, export, import, transit, procurement, sale and consumption. The state administration projected that the legalization would result in a rise in yearly revenue estimating between Rs 600 and Rs 700 crore. Last year, the Manipur government had issued a public notice seeking views on the state government’s decision for a partial lift of prohibition from the state from all civil society organizations, NGOs and people. The Manipur government’s decision to legalize the sale and consumption of liquor in the state amid the ongoing violence has drawn sharp reactions from anti-liquor organizations, including the Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) and All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj). The Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act was passed in 1991, making Manipur a dry state. However, the then government led by CM RK Ranbir Singh’s Manipur People’s Party allowed Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe populations to make alcohol for customary uses.

Dry since 1991, Manipur cabinet legalises liquor

The Manipur cabinet has legalised liquor in the state, more than a year after partially lifting prohibition. This move comes amidst an ongoing ethnic conflict and a campaign against drug and alcohol abuse. The cabinet, headed by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, approved the manufacture, production, possession, export, import, transport, purchase, sale, and consumption of liquor. The state government expects an annual revenue of Rs 600-700 crore post legalization. Manipur had become a dry state in 1991, with an exemption for scheduled caste and tribe communities to brew liquor under traditional laws.

CIABC asks Nitish Kumar govt to lift ban on liquor like Manipur

The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has welcomed the Manipur government's decision to lift the ban on liquor. They have urged the Bihar government to follow suit and end prohibition in order to boost the state's economy, combat the sale of illegal liquor, and prevent hooch tragedies. The CIABC believes that lifting prohibition would generate significant tax revenues and contribute to economic growth. They have also proposed initiatives to empower women and fund alcohol de-addiction and rehabilitation centers. The CIABC argues that prohibition in Bihar has led to the proliferation of unlawful and spurious liquor, hooch tragedies, and loss of legitimate government revenues.

New Mizoram govt must allow us to stay in state: Manipur displaced

Internally displaced Kuki-Zo people from Manipur demand a separate administration and seek support from the Mizoram government to stay in the state until normalcy returns. They are grateful to the MNF government for providing shelter, education, and healthcare. However, they feel uncertain about their future if a party with a different agenda comes to power. The displaced families have traveled to Mizoram's Falkland camp, seeking safety from the ethnic clashes in Manipur. They hope that whichever party comes to power, they will receive the same love, care, and treatment.