Imphal, May 19: Reacting sharply to the statement of AMUCO president and UNIDEP Convenor R Yangsosong Koireng that the State Government as well as civil organisations should ponder over disposal of country made liquor in bulk while Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) are being allowed to sell without any restriction, Committee on Anti Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) and AMADA conveyed deep resentment against the remark.

A press release issued by CADA general secretary Leishangthem Naobi asserted that it goes against the conscience of CADA to accept AMUCO president as a responsible citizen of the State when he can presume anti-alcohol drive as tantamount to looking down upon people of the hills, Sekmai, Andro and Phayeng.

The AMUCO president's remark that Meiteis look down upon them has the negative potential to create rift and hatred among the Meiteis, CADA alleged.

"Is this the objective of the UNIDEP Campaign?" it asked.

Asserting that the speeches were motivated by his consideration to win hearts of the people where he spoke without ever weighing the pros and cons of its after-effects, Naobi construed that the comment reflects Yangsosong's efforts to win hearts of Sekmai people indulging in brewing/trading liquor where UNIDEP programme was held.

CADA further alleged that the UNIDEP Campaign was launched only to bring unity among the liquor brewers and bootleggers.

Expressing surprise over the statement of the AMUCO president who never recalled how, how much, who and for what purpose liquor was brewed in the State about 30/40 years back, Naobi asserted that at that time liquor was brewed in hill villages in very little quantity for use by a few people.

The same case also applied to the villages of Andro, Phayeng and Sekmai.

At that time, liquor was brewed for use in Lai Haraoba festivals by a few people.

Such practice of brewing liquor in small quantity can be viewed from the perspective of culture and customs.

Alleging that 80/90 percent of the youths have taken to liquor these days with liquor being brewed in different places on commercial scale, CADA observed such a situation is unbecoming of the Manipuri society today.

Saying that the people of Manipur may imitate French in constructive areas, CADA, however, flayed the suggestion to imitate France in terms of liquor brewing.

mPointing out the stark contrast between France and Manipur in terms of social conditions and economic standards, CADA asserted that the alleged belief of the UNIDEP Campaign to bring about unity and harmony between the hill people and valley people by criticising and rapping the Meiteis is a self-negating concept.

It further alleged that the statement of the AMUCO president which amounted to supporting liquor consumption and sale indirectly is a gross error.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters today, president of AMADA Koirengei unit S Binodini Leima clarified that AMADA does not prohibit brewing liquor for customary purposes while declaring that it would stand firm against brewing liquor on commercial scale.

She asserted that there is no question of AMADA easing its restrictions on sale of IMFLs.

She also reminded of several instances of foreign liquor seizure made by its volunteers.

Acknowledging that France earns a huge amount of revenue from wine industry, Binodini, however, maintained that there is a gulf of difference between the mind-set of French and Manipuris as well between their respective Govts.

Legalisation of brewing and selling liquor would have serious negative implications in the State, she stated.

Noting that various kinds of immoral activities are being perpetrated in restaurants and sports complex, Binodini asserted that Manipur has a long way to go before it can have nightclubs, bars and liquor outlets.

If any organisation and Govt can guarantee that they will be able to check crimes resulting from open sale of liquor, AMADA will be abolished on the same day they come forward with such a guarantee, Binodini declared.

She termed it unfortunate for some organisations to speak out irresponsible words just like politicians of the State without bothering to think of its implications.

Comment