Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 30 2009:
Taking grim note of the tragic incident concerning dead of two persons after consuming pernicious country brew alcohol, All Manipur Anti-Drug Association (Amada), has stressed on the need for an extensive and intense campaign to combat the scourge of drug menace and alcoholism by the government machineries.
At least two persons has died and about the same number are battling for their lives at a government hospital here after they consumed ototoxic country liquor last night.
It is informed that the liquor was brought from the neighbouring State of Nagaland.
The police are yet to register an FIR case on the matter though they are aware of the incident, an officer in Imphal East police said.
Secretary (organization) of Amada K Meghachandra described as very unfortunate demise of the individuals.
Pointing out that inspite of declaration of manipur as dry state by the govt way back in 1991 the measure remains ineffective, he urged the authorities not to be lenient in implementing the proclamation saying that a collective effort from govt as well as the public will bring desired results in cleansing the drug menace and scourge of alcoholism.
"Since AMADA was established in December 2005, we have seized large number of country brew and psychotropic drugs and apprehended over 7000 bootleggers and peddlers.
We will continue our campaign until this menace is wiped out and a healthy society is restored in Manipur," Meghachandra affirmed.
Recalling another hooch tragedy in which one died and many other were hospitalised in 2007, he said samples of the same were sent to the forensic department after which it was later referred to another laboratory at Kolkata.
The results are still awaited.