Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 24:
In a startling revelation activists of Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (Freinds) said during the ongoing campaign against sale and consumption of soft drinks brands of Coca Cola and Pepsi numerous cases of immoral practices and screening of adult movies have been detected.
Interacting with media-persons at its Keishampat office today FREINDS� president Joy Chingakham claimed that during related-swoops at numerous restaurant located in Imphal and Greater Imphal areas young boys and girls were found carousing in dimly lit rooms.
Sale and consumption of soft drinks are not only common sights associated with youngsters idling at restaurants but have become a hub for immoral behaviour, Joy maintained.
He also informed that VCDs, DVDs, TV sets and stereo players were confiscated from video parlours found to be screening pornographic movies.
During the ongoing campaign which started about 20 days back, a total of 871 bottles of Coca Cola and Pepsi brands have been seized and destroyed in connection with the drive based on reports of pesticide residue contents in these soft drinks beyond permissible limits, Joy recounted.
Sale of these soft-drink brands would be prohibited in the State until there is clarification from either the Ministry concerned or company authorities with genuine proof, he added.
The drive is being launched with active support and participation by volunteers of Ching-Tam United Women�s Association (Chituwa) and Kanglei Chanura Chaokhat Lamjing Lup (Kangleichal).
According to Kangleichal president Wahengbam Chanura Luwang Leima six restaurants have been shut down so far for encouraging undesired activities.
These restaurants are located at Keishampat, Porompat (3), Samurou, Wangoi.
Contending that details of boys and girls hauled up from these restaurants have been recorded, Leima said being first time offenders they were handed over to their parents/family elders but there would be no such respite if caught after the drive is intensified from August 27 onwards.
Such youngsters would be paraded before the media, she cautioned.
On the otherhand, executive member of Chituwa Thourani Leima sounded a strong warning to parents having teenage and school-going children to inculcate responsible and socially acceptable behaviour in order to save the future of manipuri society from gradual degradation of morality.