Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jul 06:
activists of All Manipur Anti-Drug Association (Amada), Imphal West district Council seized 300 litres of country liquor yesterday and hauled up seven persons for their alleged involvement in alcohol trade.
The seizure was made during a specific drive launched yesterday at Moidangpok, Khumbong and Sagoltongba areas.
Four horses (manipur ponies) said to be used in ferrying and distributing liquor consignments were also seized.
The horses have been handed over to All Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association today.
Three out of seven persons hauled up are said to be sellers and have been named as Laishram Chinglen (40) of Moidangpok Mayai Leikai, Khumanthem Raghumani (48) of Sagoltongba Awang Leikai and Laishram Nimai (40) of Moidangpok Mayai Leikai.
With a stern warning to refrain from indulgence in liquor trade the three have been handed over to respective family elders.
The remaining four persons involved in liquor distribution activities have been identified as Oinam Ibochou (52) of Khumbong Awang Leikai, Lourembam Bauchao (40) of Moidangpok Mayai Leikai, Yengkhom Nabachandra (33) of Moidangpok Maning Leikai and Laishram Ibohal (36) of Moidangpok Makha Leikai.
Interacting with newspersons at the AMADA office today, its executive member Roshan Luwang alleged that State police and Excise Department personnel have been derelicting duties in checking widespread alcohol trade which is akin to shielding anti-social elements.
Substantiating the allegation he contended that persons involved in ferrying liquors on horse have been regularly paying protection money to the excise outpost/station.
Prevailing upon personnel of Excise Department and State police to rectify their undesired conduct, the AMADA member cautioned that people would launch movement against the State Government in case such shoddy deals persists.
He also reminded the Government of AMADA's deadline (Aug 20) for eviction of known liquor outlets.
The seized liquor have been destroyed near the AMADA office this afternoon.