Mizoram CM Zoramthanga. file | Photo credit: The Hindu
Guwahati
Ahead of the assembly elections, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has reaffirmed the Mizo National Front’s (MNF) commitment to complete prohibition in the state.
His claim followed local media reports that a section of Mizo society, including some church leaders and government officials, supported the reopening of liquor shops in the state.
The MNF, a member of the BJP-fronted North East Democratic Alliance, ended 10 years of Congress rule in Mizoram after securing 26 of the total 40 seats in 2018.
MNF president Zoramthanga sought to know who the church leaders and others were in favor of the sale of liquor in the state.
At a party event in the state capital, he said, “We are totally against repealing the total prohibition law as we have experienced the severe impact of alcohol on the Mizo society, which has forced the liquor shops to remain open.” killed many people.” Aizawl recently.
He said that the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act 2019 was introduced by the MNF government in the larger interest of the churches and the Mizo people. Complete prohibition was one of the key promises of the MNF for the 2018 state elections.
The Prohibition Act replaced the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition and Control) Act 2014 introduced by the erstwhile Congress government, which allowed liquor shops to open in the state.
The new liquor law bans the import, export, transport, manufacture, possession, sale and consumption of liquor in Mizoram, except in three autonomous district councils in the southern part of the state. These councils are Chakma, Lai and Mara.