Northeast Desk, 3rd May: Officials in Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, have raised concerns over the surge in manufacturing of illicit liquor in the region, attributing it to the influx of refugees from neighboring Myanmar. During a meeting between officials and leaders of the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), state excise and narcotics department commissioner Z. Lalhmangaiha highlighted the growing trend of locally brewed alcohol production in the Phunchawng area and its vicinity on the outskirts of Aizawl.
The meeting, convened by Excise Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, emphasized the detrimental impact of drugs and alcohol on Mizo society. Commissioner Lalhmangaiha linked the rise in illicit liquor manufacturing to the influx of Myanmar nationals, particularly those from the Chin state, who have sought refuge in Mizoram following a military coup in February 2021.
Despite Mizoram being a dry state where the consumption, manufacture, and sale of liquor are prohibited under the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act, reports indicate that alcohol is being openly sold in some hotels and restaurants in Aizawl. The Excise Department, in collaboration with other departments and churches, plans to intensify efforts to combat the menace of drugs and alcohol.
Recent data from the excise and narcotics department revealed significant confiscations, including 21,963 liters of country-made liquor, 8,532 bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor, and 6,960 cans of beer in nearly four months up to April 25. Additionally, 26 kilograms of heroin, 384 kilograms of ganja (cannabis), and 112 kilograms of Methamphetamine tablets were seized during the same period.
Meanwhile, the state BJP has raised questions about the efficacy of the prohibition law and urged the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma to clarify its stance on the legislation. The BJP highlighted instances of liquor being openly sold in establishments and called for either strict enforcement of the law or legalization of liquor consumption to generate revenue.
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