Imphal, May 21: Firmly asserting that its drive against intoxicants will be successful one day, AMADA today said that this confidence comes from the fact that their drive is being taken up under some specific programmes and policies.

Responding to the queries put forth by AMUCO on whether the people should first meet the challenges posed by the excesses of the security personnel or first save the deteriorating culture and traditions of land or protect the territory of Manipur or fight the menace of intoxicants, AMADA in a statement said that there is no confusion on their part on this front.

It is surprising that AMUCO should feel confused over this, said AMADA and added that the stand of AMUCO seems to indicate that the first challenge is to meet the challenge of the excesses of security personnel.

Begging to differ, AMADA bluntly said that the loss of precious lives due to consumption of alcohol and drugs far outweighs the casualties suffered at the hands of the security force.

When will the question of human rights have any meaning when the people are slowly getting drowned under the influence of drugs and alcohol, it posed.

However this does not mean that AMADA advocates first fighting the menace of drugs and alcohol, it clarified and added that since Manipur has been dealt a cruel blow on all sides, it is not the time to prioritise things.

AMUCO should not forget that the need of the hour is for all the different organisations to simultaneously meet the challenges facing the people and the land.

Welcoming the common interest concept floated by AMUCO, AMADA however countered by posing whether taking up the fight against alcohol and drug is not part of the common interest as understood by AMUCO.

The common interest as stated by AMUCO would have been so positive if only it had encompassed paying floral tributes unitedly to the 18 souls who lost their lives to protect the territory of Manipur, observed AMADA.

Asserting that the history of AMUCO and its present status is known to AMADA, the statement further said that if all the communities are living peacefully and amicably today, then where is the need to launch Campaign UNIDEP.

It is somewhat fortunate that the present Campaign UNIDEP has given the opportunity to AMUCO to acknowledge its confusion and try to sort things out.

Acknowledging the strong stand adopted by AMUCO when the Government once announced its decision to lift prohibition and allow sale of IMFL, AMADA however countered that AMUCO during the Campaign UNIDEP is now contradicting itself by asserting that sale of country liquor should be allowed.

The very question what should come first, safeguarding the territory of Manipur or fight the menace of drug abuse is nothing of self contradiction, said AMADA.

Pulling no punches, AMADA said that the Campaign UNIDEP is beginning to look more and more like speaking out from a speech which has been memorised.

The stand of AMUCO today appears like it is licking its wound after it and some others failed to fight the menace of alcohol and drugs.

A classic case "The grapes being sour." AMADA was candid enough to admit that neither it nor the Government can provide alternative employment to all those engaged in the liquor trade.

However AMADA has been able to wean away three women vendors and help them to eke out a living through handloom works.

The Government has also been approached to set up firms to provide employment to such people, said AMADA and wondered whether AMUCO really knows about the youths who have started earning their livelihood through self employment at Khwairamband bazar.

The job of AMADA is not only pulling up liquor sellers or those who consume alcohol or drugs but entails getting them into rehab.

Moreover the functioning of rehab centres are being monitored to see if they conform to the laid down standard.

The door of AMADA is always kept wide open for any AMUCO to discuss anything.

Likewise, it hoped that AMUCO will also keep its doors opened to AMADA in case any matter is to be discussed.

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