Surge in Illicit Liquor Production in Aizawl Linked to Myanmar Refugee Influx
Commissioner Z. Lalhmangaiha of the state excise and narcotics department highlighted the correlation between the surge in illicit liquor manufacturing and the arrival of Myanmar nationals, particularly from the Chin state, seeking refuge in Mizoram following a military coup in February 2021.
Despite Mizoram being a dry state with strict prohibition laws against the consumption, manufacture, and sale of liquor under the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act, reports suggest that alcohol is openly available in some hotels and restaurants in Aizawl. The Excise Department, in collaboration with other agencies and churches, plans to escalate efforts to combat the proliferation of drugs and alcohol.
Recent data from the excise and narcotics department revealed significant seizures, 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, authorities confiscated 26 kilograms of heroin, 384 kilograms of ganja (cannabis), and 112 kilograms of Methamphetamine tablets during the same period.
In response to the situation, the state BJP has questioned 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 stringent enforcement of the law or legalization of liquor consumption to generate revenue.
