IMPHAL, April 26: Even though Manipur is a dry state, with the government enforcing several provisions to this effect, several unwanted incidents have been reported at almost every place due to intoxication of liquor.
Amidst such a situation, the Awang Potshangbam Khullen Choaokhat Khongtham Apunba Nupi Lup has asserted that it will make the village the first alcohol free village in the state.
The affirmation was made by the secretary of the association, Memcha Devi while producing two individuals alongwith 84 litres of local brew seized from them before media persons today.
Awang Potshangbam Khullen is located under Heingang Police Station in Imphal East district with a population of around 2000 people and is divided into two Panchayat wards under the Awang Potshangbam Gram Panchayat.
Memcha identified the due as Khundongbam Muhindro, 57, son of (L) Kh Shamu Singh and Khundongbam Nimaichand, 37, son of Kh Nodiachand Singh of Awang Potsangbam Maning Leikai.
However, the Diesel Auto which was used to carry the liquor somehow managed to escape from the scene, she said.
Briefing media persons at the association’s office, she said even as the women of the village are trying hard to meet their ends by working in stone and sand quarry along the Sekmai River, the men continues to laze away their time drinking and creating problems at home.
There have been several instances of atrocities being meted to women and children of the village, she lamented and added this could only lead to untoward incidents in the village.
With the main objective to suppressing this apprehension amongst the villagers, the Social Development Association, SDA and the Brighter Club cum Library have been jointly conducting drives against selling and consumption of liquor in the area.
During the initial stage of the drive, mass publicity campaigns had also been conducted throughout the village, she continued.
On Friday night around 9, the two persons were caught red-handed alongwith 84 litres of local liquor, she said.
The liquor had been brought from Sekmai, Memcha added.
The two have been fined Rs 15,000 each and the liquor was set ablaze in the presence of the media today.
Memcha further voiced concern that there are reports of Sekmai brewed local liquor in vehicles disguised as school vans. She appealed to all concerned to stop such anti-social activities, and added anyone found going against the appeal will be befittingly punished.