Concern over flourishing liquor business in Margherita

From a Correspondent
MARGHERITA, April 29: Despite strict direction from the Supreme Court that there should not be liquor shops within 500 metres of tiol and State highways, in Margherita subdivision many small liquor shops continue to flourish.
According to sources, in areas like Segunbari, Civil Hospital, Block Tiniali, Vineer Mill Bazaar, Tha Road, Shyam Talkies Road, Margherita Bazaar Chariali, Changlang Tiniali Road, Baragolai, Ledo, Lekhapani and Jagun, illegal liquor bars are running a flourishing business.  Ramanus Lakra, general secretary of All Adivasi Students Association of Assam, Tinsukia District Committee said that Margherita civil administration and Margherita Excise Department were in deep slumber due to which the illegal liquor bars were functioning.
He said that many unemployed youths and school and college students of Margherita subdivision were addicted to liquor and liquor from Aruchal Pradesh was also available in Margherita region. He suspected that some officials of Margherita administration and Margherita Excise Department had an unholy nexus with those who bring Aruchal Pradesh liquor and supply it in Margherita subdivision and a large amount of commission was given to these corrupt officials. Ramanus Lakra appealed to the Margherita administration and Margherita Excise Department to take strict action against those involved in the illegal liquor trade.