OUR CORRESPONDENT
BORDUMSA: While the Bordumsa civil administration in liason with the Excise department has been considering the pros and cons to streamline the system for lawful sale of IMFL (Indian-made foreign liquor), beer etc., in Bordumsa, a pro-active women's organisation — the APWWS (Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society) — in nearby Miao (also in Changlang district) has decided to maintain vigil on the operations of wine shops and hotels and also various anti-social activities in the greater Miao areas to ensure a better tomorrow for the up-and-coming generations.
The APWWS has a commendable history of launching several crusades against various anti-social activities over a period of time. The women's organization, in a memorandum submitted to the Changlang Deputy Commissioner on Tuesday, demanded the introduction of a system wherein Identity Cards (for age proof) will be made mandatory for the purchase of IMFL from wine shops, as well as various tobacco products.
The memorandum has been signed by the president of APWWS Miao unit, Odi Tamut Singpho, its general secretary Lusap Khimhun, and advisors Pinna Kitna Singpho and Nangpa Mossang.
Stating that opium, drugs and liquor have eaten into the vitals of the society especially in the in the Miao-Namphai area, Singpho added, "We request the DC to put a halt to these rising menaces. The Excise department along with the local police should conduct periodic raids."
Singpho told The Sentinel, "Our campaigns against drug abuse, polygamy, and domestic violence besides the several anti-opium drives, and our fights for the causes of women and children have achieved significant results over a period of time."
She added, "Some wine outlets and some pan vendors sell tobacco products unlawfully to customers below 18 years of age in broad daylight. Illegal sale of liquor in open markets should be tackled strongly. This will help in tackling domestic violence and other related petty crimes in the society to a great extent."
The APWWS in its memorandum also referred to the standing executive orders wherein sale of liquor, pan, cigaretes, gutkas, pan masalas and other tobacco products to school-going children had been prohibited. The organization also reminded the district administration of its previous orders imposing restrictions on the setting up of wine shops and outlets of tobacco products within 100 metres radius from any educational centre.