IMPHAL, July 23 - Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who is in-charge of Excise, told the recently-concluded Monsoon session of the Assembly that it was high time to sit together with NGOs and lawmakers to discuss the proposal of lifting of Manipur State Liquor Prohibition Act (MSLPA) 1991.
Replying to a discussion on the Budget he said it is not possible to completely stop liquor coming from outside. Ibobi further informed that estimated revenue of around Rs 300 crore-Rs 500 crore can be generated annually once the prohibition is lifted. The Chief Minister observed that the situation in the State is like that of a non-prohibition State as liquor is available anytime and anywhere in the State. It is a difficult task to stop inflow of liquor from outside the State as all the States in the NE except Nagaland have lifted prohibition.
Taking advantage of the situation, black marketeers are gaining from the business of selling liquor. There are also reports that drinkers are suffering from various liver related diseases due to consumption of unsafe liquor coming from outside.
