Imphal, January 19: With the stated objective of curtailing the consumption of Zarda, the proscribed KCP has today announced the ban on the import of Mitha betel leaf.

In a statement issued to the press, KCP said that the people of Manipur have overlooked the indigenous betel leaf used by the forefathers and are now consuming only the Mitha pana imported from outside the State.

As Zarda can only be consumed with the variety brought in from outside the State, the ban on the import of the Mitha betel leaf has become necessary.

The ban will not only curtail the consumption of Zarda, which has posed serious health hazards to a number of people but will also open a new source of income for the cultivators of the indigenous betel leaf, said the outfit.

In fact so dependent have the people become on Zarda, that even in times of traditional ceremonies such as wedding, the traditional Kom Kwa has been given the go by and instead Zarda pan is now being offered to the guest.

The impact on the economy of the State as well as the family units is also great, it added.

Announcing the complete ban on the import, sale and consumption of the Mitha betel leaf, the outfit said that it will fully extend its support to the ban imposed earlier on consumption of khaini and Zarda by an underground outfit.

KCP further said that the indigenous betel leaf grown in the State has been in use for years and instead of using this the present generation has now started relying on the imported stuff which not only drains the State's eco-nomy but also pose serious health hazards.

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