Correspondent
MOKOKCHUNG, SEP 26 (NPN): Mokokchung district administration and police have intensified a district-wide crackdown on suspected spurious liquor, with 19 persons arrested for allegedly selling liquor and a special investigation team (SIT) constituted to probe the deaths linked to suspected consumption.
Addressing a joint press conference at the deputy commissioner’s conference hall on Saturday, DC Mokokchung Ajit Kumar Verma said the administration had convened a meeting with civil society organisations led by Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang and Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), along with four neighbouring village councils and ward unions, to discuss the situation.
Verma said eight persons had died so far in the district following suspected consumption of spurious liquor.
He said immediate raids were conducted by joint teams of police and the administration and that 19 persons had been arrested for allegedly selling liquor. Raids were also carried out across all subdivisions of the district, including Mokokchung town, to curtail the supply.
DC said the seized liquor would be destroyed and reiterated that the district administration would maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards the sale of liquor.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mokokchung Vesupra Kezo said an SIT headed by the additional superintendent of police had been constituted to investigate the matter.
He said a case had already been registered at Mangkolemba police station, with six persons arrested in connection with possession of suspected spurious liquor.
Kezo said the source of the liquor was under investigation and was suspected to be from a neighbouring state. Post-mortems of the deceased had been conducted, while samples of the seized liquor would be sent to the Central Forensic Laboratory (CFL), Guwahati, next week for examination.
SSP said police and the administration would strictly enforce restrictions on the sale of liquor and destroy seized stocks. He added that all necessary precautionary measures were being taken to prevent further loss of life.
Public advisory: In view of reports from Mangkolemba and other parts of the district concerning suspected consumption of spurious liquor, subsequent deaths and hospitalisations, DC Mokokchung advised the public to refrain from purchasing or consuming liquor.
The district administration held an emergency coordination meeting on September 26 with enforcement agencies, ward authorities, village councils, CSOs and other stakeholders.
Following the deliberations, it resolved to maintain zero tolerance against the sale, transportation and storage of liquor and intensify the ongoing enforcement drive with the cooperation of town, village and ward authorities and CSOs.
The advisory further urged anyone who has consumed liquor, particularly within the previous 48 hours, and develops symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulty, nausea, severe abdominal pain or loss of consciousness to immediately seek medical attention at the nearest primary health unit and report the incident to the nearest local authority.
The district administration appealed to village councils, ward and colony authorities, municipal and town councils, CSOs, relevant departments and the public to actively support enforcement agencies in implementing prohibition measures and preventing further loss of life.
Information regarding suspected transportation or sale of liquor may be reported to police at Mokokchung (6009828769), Mangkolemba (7005675868) or Tuli (7005512093).