liquor ban
Representative image. Photo credit - New Indian Express

Mizoram excise and narcotics minister, Dr K Beichhua on Monday reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to legislate a stringent prohibition law to ban sales of liquor in Mizoram.

Also read: Mizoram : MNF mulling new Bill to impose prohibition of liquor

Addressing a party meeting at Mizo National Front (MNF) office in Aizawl on Monday, the minister said that a new law will be legislated in the first Assembly session for completely banning of sales of alcohol in the State, according to reports.

The State Assembly will have its budget session, which will be held in March and this will be the first full-fledged session after the MNF headed by Zoramthanga assumed power after 10 years last year.

Beichhua said that the State Government is drafting a prohibition law which will be introduced and passed in the upcoming Budget session.

He also said that the MNF government led by Zoramthanga, soon after assuming power, declared prolonged ‘dry days’ as a prelude to prohibition.

The ‘dry days’, however have to be stayed due to Gauhati High Court order which allowed re-opening of liquor shop following petitions filed by liquor vendors and bonded warehouse owners, he further said.

The minister added that the State Government is committed to its pre-poll promises of bringing back total prohibition on sales of alcohol.