Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 22
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today announced on the floor of the House the government’s stand that prohibition of liquor would remain in the state as long as there is no consensus on lifting it even as he admitted that the government has no authority to prevent an individual’s drinking habit.
Replying to a supplementary question during Question Hour, the Chief Minister reminded that prohibition has become a big issue which has been debated since its imposition of the Act in the state. He said whereas sale of liquor is being prohibited in the state, the government is helpless against preventing individuals from taking their due share, particularly referring to those in the defence forces and ex-servicemen who get their legal quota from the Central Government. He also denied allegations by the Opposition members that the government was serving liquor during state events and state dinners.
Earlier in his reply, Minister for Excise, M.C Konyak disclosed that the Excise Department had seized a total of 1979 cases of IMLF in 2008-09 and a total of 513 cases in 2009-2010 and a total of 203 persons arrested in 2008-2009 and 513 persons in 2009-2010 for illegal sale in the market and transporting liquor to different destinations during the period.
He also said action is being taken by the government in these cases. Asked on whether there prohibition or relaxation to serve liquor in public places, he said there is prohibition and no relaxation to serve liquor in public places.
Asked on whether serving of liquor during Hornbill Festival and during the road shows and other public events are allowed, Konyak said while the government has prohibited sale of alcohol during such events, it is helpless to prevent individuals from consuming alcohol taking into consideration that most take it as a traditional food item. This prompted MLA Kheto to demand lifting the prohibition of liquor if it indeed is used as a food item.
