IMFL worth over Rs.1.06 cr destroyed in Kohima

September 26, 2020 91 Views No Comment

Correspondent KOHIMA, Sep 25 (NPN): State Excise department destroyed 2,294 cases and 165 bottles of seized Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) worth Rs. 1,06,43,270 at Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) dumping site at Dzürüzou, Meriema on Friday.

The seized items were destroyed in the presence of Excise, Sericulture, & Minority Affairs adviser Zhale-o Rio, Excise and Sericulture secretary Orenpomo Kikon, who is also in charge as Excise commissioner, Kohima district administration officials, Angami Baptist Church Council, KMC, police and other civil society organisations (CSOs).

Speaking on the occasion, Zhaleo called upon CSOs, NGOs and church to reaffirm themselves in helping the Excise department implement Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989 (NLTP) in the State. He appealed for active support to the department, instead of indulging in blame game.
Admitting that the excise department was not doing its job satisfactorily and hence was at the receiving end of public criticism, the adviser however stressed that the department alone would not be able to implement the Act and required active support and cooperation from all quarters.

Mentioning that illegal goods were primarily smuggled in through national highway to Kohima and Dimapur, he pointed out that Nagaland was sandwiched between two neighbouring States that were not dry, and so there were chances of illegal import of IMFL into Nagaland.

Though bootleggers were indulging in illegal trade of liquor for money, he said stressed “We, as a responsible society, cannot allow these people to destroy our youth” and called for “re-dedicating ourselves and continue to strive what is good for our people.”

Admitting lack of coordination often between the Excise and Police departments, the adviser urged both the departments to work in tandem, even as he urged the public and civil societies to help the departments in implementing NLTP in the State.

He said the excise department in the State Capital lacked infrastructure like parking space and strong room to store seized goods, but hoped that in the near future the department would have the necessary infrastructure and sufficient manpower.

Assistant commissioner of excise (zonal) Kohima S Phyobemo Kikon said the seizures were made by 3rd Assam Rifles on March 23, 2019 and the seized items were kept sealed by the excise department at Assam Rifles camp due to security reasons and space constraint at the department’s dilapidated office here.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/imfl-worth-over-rs-1-06-cr-destroyed-in-kohima/222353.html