IT Desk
Imphal, September 9:
“Wettest Dry State” is the title given to Manipur owing to its present scenario of availability of booze although being a dry state. It is an open secret that booze both IMF and local made are available in all nooks and corner of the state. From time to time, crackdown on vendors selling booze is seen on news either on some higher authorities whim or some other reasons best known to them. There are allegations from different sections of the people that, the Government cannot touch those black marketers doing in huge amount and volume, as they are connected with some powerful people and have huge amount of money to bribe their way out. So, how far is this whimsical crackdown on some sections fruitful?
The other day, saw a billboard at the heart of Imphal city with the slogan “After Whisky, Driving Risky” which I reckon is put up by the Traffic Police. So what does this mean? Does it mean, booze is now legal in Manipur? The billboard speaks a thousand words about the present scenario in Manipur.
It would be better to remove the Dry State tag if booze are going to be available in the Black market at a hefty price. There are many allegations of some black marketers selling adulterated booze, produced in Manipur and some neighbouring state. Also, there have been incidents of Police nabbing such illegal liquor producing unit in Manipur. Adulterated booze poses a grave danger to one consuming it, whether taken in large quantity or little. There have been news about people dying from adulterated booze in different parts of the country. If the authority think they can stop all sale of Alcohol in Manipur, it is okay to continue with the Dry State status whereas if the authority cannot control the sale of alcohol in the Black market, it would be wise to remove the Dry state status and let the people have quality and genuine products instead of risking the lives of many.
