In an altercation at a shop in Lamphel, Imphal, one individual sustained injuries on Sunday.
Around 8.10 pm, unidentified armed assailants fired 2 rounds at ‘People’s Store’ near BRTF complex under Lamphel Police station.
The shop, an unlicensed liquor purveyor, offers a variety of alcoholic beverages.
Though the state government eased liquor restrictions last December, no licenses for liquor vendors or bonded warehouses have been issued.
Several unlicensed liquor establishments have emerged in and around Imphal since the partial easing of restrictions.
During the altercation, Thounaojam Pari, 33, sustained injuries from broken glass shards on his temple and left chest.
Owned by Salam Suresh, 60, son of (L) Rotonmani of Khomdram Selungba Leikai, the shop’s incident is under investigation.
Pari was promptly taken to RIMS hospital for treatment. The motive behind the altercation remains unknown.
Liquor and beer were confiscated from the same store a few years ago.
The Manipur cabinet resolved to regulate liquor sale and brewing on September 20, 2022, citing health concerns.
Regulating liquor sales is projected to yield a minimum revenue of Rs 600 crore annually for Manipur.
A gazette notification on December 6, 2023, detailed rules for legalizing liquor.
“The Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, 1991, rendered Manipur a dry state. The prohibition was lifted after 30 years,” stated the gazette notification.
