Imphal: Amid security measures tightening up along the Assam-Manipur border ahead of the second phase of elections to the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat which will go on April 26, the Static Surveillance team (SST-C), seized liquor worth Rs 12,942 at Jiribam district headquarters bordering Assam on the west.
An alleged liquor smuggler was also arrested in this regard, officials said on Monday.
Based on intelligence input that a consignment of liquor from Silchar, Assam has been smuggled to Jiribam, Manipur, the personnel of the Static Surveillance Team (SST-C) conducted an operation at the Foreigner Check Post Gate, Jiribam on Sunday.
The SST-C team led by N Rabindra Singh, Assistant Professor Jiri College (Magistrate) stopped a black Scorpio coming from Jirighat (Assam-Manipur border) towards Jiribam Bazar.
In this connection, an alleged smuggler later identified as Khuma Hmar (46) s/o (L) Lalkung of Tuisen, Borobekra Sub Division, Jiribam district was arrested along with six bottles of Blenders Pride (Whiskey 750 ml), 16 bottles of Royal Stag (whiskey 750 ml), 24 bottles of Old Monk (rum 180 ml) and three Kingfisher Can Beer (500 ml).
The arrested person, the impounded vehicle, and the seized items were later handed over to the Jiribam police station for further action.
The arrest and seizure came at a time when Manipur will have dry days on polling days (April 26) and the counting day (June 4) of the Lok Sabha elections. Liquor sales will be banned from 4 pm on April 24 until 4 pm on April 26.
This restriction on the sale of liquor and other substances shall also be implemented on the day of counting, June 4, 2024.