Legalising alcohol for revenue will destroy lives of youths of Manipur, projected shortfall of 1090 cr in tax revenue: JDU

The Biren-led state government, in its objective of earning Rs 600 crores through the legalization and sale of liquor and alcohol in the state will be destroying the lives of several youths in the state. The statement was made during a press conference held at the residence of JDU President Ksh Biren by party spokesperson Nimaichand Luwang yesterday.
The spokesperson further said that various groups and organizations in the state have been making efforts to curb the sale and consumption of illicit liquor in the state for so long and the recent decision of the state government to legalise the sale and consumption of liquor in the state is an act of dictatorship and further stated that instead of making efforts to find a solution to the more-than seven months old armed conflict that has been continuing in the state, the state government is busy celebrating the victory of BJP in three other states in the recently concluded state assembly elections.
Elaborating on the effects of the continuing violent conflict on the economy of the state, O Nabakishore, Vice President of JDU stated that the state has to deal with a projected shortfall of Rupees 1090 crores from VAT and GST which is a huge amount for a small and poor state like Manipur with little avenues for tax revenues. Various intellectuals and organizations have expressed strong objections to the plan of the state government of earning revenues from liquor instead of finding a solution to the ongoing armed conflict and collecting proper taxes which will be more beneficial