Imphal, April 20,
South East Asia Cultural Organisation (SEACO) today extended support to the recent banning of betel leaf in the state by the state government. The organization however, cautions the government to make it a long lasting one.
Forest Minister Th. Shyamkumar had announced the ban of betel leaf and exemption of tax from transporting the betel leaf.
In a press statement, the organisation said that most measures taken up by the government like banning of intoxicants lasted just for few days and appeared it as for publicity purpose. The organization said that there are many people who are addicted to the betel leaf Zarda pan. Some began using since early morning till late at night. The eating of pan with tobacco product- Zarda has become a fashion. Lakhs of rupees have been spent by the people and drained outside the state on eating pan and the government measures is an appreciable move , the SEACO statement said.