Law of the land and the authority’s inability to enforce it is directly proportionate to the breakdown of the system. Every Manipuri knows that Manipur is a dry state. Use of alcohol is ban under the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act,1991. Various other psychotropic substances are ban under the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act,1985. State government deliberate attempt to lift the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act has received strong objection from various quarters especially the women meira paibis and those civil society organisation who are working days and night to prevent use of intoxicants.
Having said so it is a fact that there are not many people who did not drink liquor in a day, week or year. Many are still seen dependent to alcohol and government did not impose full restriction to the selling of the alcohol at various places illegally. The biggest such shop which sells alcohol of almost brand is the one that stood in the Middle of Thangal Keithel just a few metres from the city police station and another one near the officers’ colony at Chekon. One wanders which government authority gave them permission to sell such items which are declared prohibited in the state. On the other hand mushrooming local brew and liquor vendors at various places including those at the back side of Polo Ground in the heart of the city as well as others setting up at various places has now been a place for hang out for both Manipuri in-between the age of 15 to 60 years. These small vendors are gold mine for the police personnel assigned on duty at the respective places. Illegal taxes are paid to these police personnel collecting daily tips from these vendor.
Point wanted to make here is about the prestige of the government. This govt. is not even competent enough to enforce the law that they had enforced.
On the other hand, it is a known fact that prostitution is a crime in the state of Manipur. It is a crime at almost all places of the country. But some state felt it as a need and open up red light area to serve their purposes. Manipur govt. as well as the people doesn’t accept the kind of illegal, immoral activities. It is for the reason that many civil society organisations often stand up and conducted drive against illegal activities. In reality such are to be conducted by the police who are the protecting the law of the land. It is also a fact that even though prostitution is not accepted in our society the kind of business still continues in the state of Manipur particularly in Imphal city. Many hookers are seen wandering in Imphal city and these hookers are provided place for flesh trade at some of the third class hotel located in the middle of the city. To name some Hotel Embassy, Hotel City Inn etc. etc are the place where the flesh trade are often taking place. Police had records and evidence but none are banned till today. And why should they ban? These are the source of income for them.
On the other hand unofficial red light area is also seen at North AOC. Every evening a visitor at the site will witness not less than 5 to 6 girl loitering around heavy drunk searching their client. The place is also near to the memorial site of the martyrs of the great June Uprising.
May be our government may have more important things to do. But the kind of illegal business going on in the city need to be checked. For everyone knows that a single dried rice spoil the whole food.
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