Total prohibition successful: Officials

Aizawl, Dec 6 (UNI) Despite the remarks that the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act has failed convert it into a dry state, the State Prohibition Council has claimed it has succeeded in ''first division.'' The council members in a meeting headed by excise and narcotic minister Dr Lalzama yesterday resolved that the total prohibition is so far so good.

The society has become much more peaceful, and even children and women can go out at night without the fear of being harassed by drunkards. There have also been few incidents of violence in the streets since the implementation of the act, the members claimed.

Excise&Narcotic Commissioner Lalbiakmawia Khiangte reiterated that there was no discrimination, while enforcing the act as has been alleged.

''The high officials and well-to-do persons have seldom created troubles, but these menaces relating to liquor are always among the poorer sections of the society,'' he said.

He also made it clear that raiding one's house for liquor without concrete evidence can be a violation of law, in an apparent reply to allegations that the rich people are always spared from the liquor ban act. He also doubted that huge quantity of liquor could be brought from planes.

Since the enactment of the MLTP Act 1995, the police and excise&narcotic departments have seized total number of wine, vehicles and persons dealing with drugs and alcohol. The number however, has gone down considerably following the Young Mizo Association's ''Ruihhlo Do'' (war on drugs and liquor) since three years back.

The prohibition council has laid out strategies to ensure healthy atmosphere during Christmas and New Year festivals. For this cordial co-operation with NGOs was given importance.

UNI