TODAY -

Another stunt, but things remain the same
- Imphal Times Editorial :: September 07 2017 -



The tiny State of Manipur, for it’s size does not lack in drama and role-plays.

The recent intensification of drive by the State police against bootleggers in and around Imphal city is a classic case in point.

Much had been witness- law enforcers acting tough against them. But evrytime such action was seen at the time of coming new Police Chief or government.

Such drived were seen for few days and later the same liqour vendor were seen as it was after some days.

This time too the people witness intenssive drive against selling of liqours. Manipur is a dry state and such an act worth appreciations from call corners.

The move, thought a welcome one for the society reeks of a search for cheap publicity and certainly can be termed as an exercise in futility for the Police force.

It is interesting to note that it is not the personnels from the Narcotics cell who are undergoing the drive, a job clearly meant for them

. These bootleggers are not new, nor their reach and influence in any doubt.

Their flourishing business has been going on for more than a decade now, with neither a hindrance nor any sign of them being stopped in the foreseeable future.

Their notoriety has reached such a proportion that certain spots like the MG Avenue, Pologround Parking and Videocon Galli, Roopmahal Tank etc. have become prominent landmarks in their own rights for anyone wishing to procure a bottle or two of the intoxicating kind.

The intoxicating affair does not end here.

“Canteens” which stock only Indian Made foreign Liquors (IMFLs) are common public knowledge.

Production of country liquor in the tribal colonies which are part of their tradition cannot be meddled with.

In fact, this “dry” State has more “illegal” liquor vendors than some States where licensed vendors put up their business.

It is another matter altogether that these bootleggers operate without any semblance of fear or discretion.

The uneasy fact is that certain individuals with reach and influence are racking up earnings which cannot be taxed, while on the other hand, there is no practical means to prevent the sale or consumption of alcohol in the State.

Instead of the State force organizing photo sessions with the seized liquor bottles once every blue moon, the government should take a long hard look at the reality of the situation, draw up and implement pragmatic steps to legalise the sale of alcoholic drinks.

While this very idea risks violent remarks and response from various social organizations trying to prevent the sale and use of any and every kind of intoxicants in the State, yet we have to admit the bitter truth.

It may be the only way to curb and control the stealthy and rampant abuse of the drink and a lucrative source of much needed income for the State.



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