After the Manipur People Bill was passed unanimously, the Liquor Bill was moved by deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar Singh for consideration and passing it. However, the opposition leader, O. Ibobi rose to give his observation before passing it.
Former chief minister, Okram Ibobi suggested that state government should give value to the public sentiments and also, measure its demerits as well as benefits, citing the previous government’s inability to pass the same bill. He cautioned all the members of the house about the possible repercussion in passing the Bill.
As a result, Manipur Liquor Prohibition (second amendment) Bill, 2018 was referred to a five-member select committee for further discussion. The five-member select committee will be headed by Law minister, L. Jayantakumar and the remaining members will comprise of two MLAs each from the opposition and treasury bench.
The former chief minister said, “We know the ruling bench can pass the Bill easily being the majority in the House. But morally we cannot support the Bill. Is not there any other ways to mobilise the state fund other than passing the said bill to implement the 7th pay commission recommendation?”
In the reply, N. Biren Singh said that the objective of mobilising state’s fund by introducing the liquor bill is secondary. This bill is only to export quality liquor outside the state, and there will be no license to sell within the state.
Meanwhile, various women folks and civil bodies have staged demonstrations in Imphal and opposed the Manipur Liquor Prohibition (second amendment) Bill, 2018.

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