Imphal: The Manipur government has decided to lift the ban on production and sale of liquor in the state with immediate effect, according to a gazette notification.
The fresh order was issued on December 6, but the gazette notification was made public only on Thursday night.
The ban was imposed in 1991 following a stir by a women’s organisation. Sale will only be allowed in tourist spots, big hotels, Greater Imphal, and district headquarters.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh had earlier interacted with women leaders to convince them. However, women’s organisations like Nupi Samaj and social bodies like the Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) have opposed the move.
The Manipur government had allowed the production of liquor for religious and social purposes, as many communities produce liquor as a traditional practice.
Official sources said the sale of liquor will generate huge resources and enable people to buy unadulterated liquor. The women’s body, however, stated that the use of liquor increases domestic violence and leads to serious health hazards.
