Imphal, May 18: It's time for the State Government as well as civil organisations to ponder over the act of destroying liquor brewed in the State in bulk while Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brewed in other States are allowed to sell in the State without any restriction.

This was stated by AMUCO president R Yangsosong Koireng while addressing the concluding programme of the fourth phase of UNIDEP Campaign at Awang Sekmai under Imphal West district.

Just as France is known all over the world for its wine, quality country liquor brewed in places like Andro, Sekmai and Phayeng may be legalised and exported to other States, remarked Yangsosong.

Stating the UNIDEP supports measures to check consumption of liquor, he noted that it needs a serious deliberation regarding a total ban on alcohol in the State.

Yet, UNIDEP stands firm against any act causing social disturbance and involvement in other criminal activities after consuming liquor.

The attitude of looking down upon hill people as well the people of Sekmai, Andro and Phayeng is a serious deterrent to the campaign for unity in the State, he lamented.

The UNIDEP convenor observed that love and mutual cooperation is the most effective tool to bring about unity among the indigenous peoples of the State.

One of the factors that necessitated the UNIDEP Campaign is the discriminatory attitude and the practice of ex-communication still prevalent in some areas of the valley, he noted.

After suffering set-backs at different points of time in history, the integrity of Manipur is still challenged by various external forces, Yangsosong observed.

Taking a dig at construction of multi-storeyed buildings, development of roads and communication infrastructure followed by digging of drains and other excavation works, Yangsosong asserted that such development programmes lack vision and do not serve the interest of the people.

The existing backward condition of the hill areas even after 60 years of the country's independence is a living testimony that the Union Government does not wish any kind of development in the State rather the Union Government is intent upon exploiting the resources of the State only to benefit people outside the State, he alleged.

He corroborated his statement citing the cases of Loktak Project, Tipaimukh Project and others.

The AMUCO president questioned the rationale behind imposition of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Manipur while Mumbai, Delhi and other Indian cities which have been homes to numerous terrorist groups and mafia gangs have been spared the atrocity of the infamous Act.

He reiterated that peace will become a reality in the State once there is unity and equitable development.

Today's campaign meeting was also addressed by NRC president S Sunilkanta, AMAWOVA advisor S Leirangtombi, AMESCO president LS Guite, human rights activist Phulindro Konsam, general secretary of UCOBID N Ibohal and others.

The programme was jointly presided by leader of Awang Sekmai Meira Paibis Angom Shanti, president of the Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur L Memchoubi, chief advisors of NIUCAMO Kh Robindro, Kh Amujao and its president S Kulla and UNIDEP convenor R Yangsosong Koireng.

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