Excise minister wishes sober Christmas

Aizawl, Dec 24 (UNI) Mizoram Excise Minister Lalzama today wished the people a happy and peaceful Christmas and urged them not to consume liquor during the festival period.

Mr Lalzama in a message to the people asserted that the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, that came into effect on February 20, 1997 forbids everyone from manufacturing, selling, possession, and consumption.

The December four 2007 meeting of the state prohibition council had thanked the Young Mizo Association to take efforts towards eradication of drugs and liquor.

It has also resovled to beef up security police and excise mobile duty during the festivals, the minister said.

As per the prohibition Act, the minimum punishment for those violating the act is three years' imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1000. As such, the state prohibition council has decided not to release those arrested but keep them in jails during Christmas and New Year festivals, the minister warns all those who are about to drink.

The minister in his message also regrets that violation of laws has always been rampant during Christmas and New Year.

Meanwhile, Aizawl traffic police have also been alerted as road accidents sharply increase during Christmas ''We will take extra measures to prevent road accidents during Christmas and New Year festivals. Traffic police will work for the safety of others while others enjoy the festivals,'' said additional SP (Traffic) Lalzahngova.

UNI