The Mokokchung district administration has decided to intensify enforcement against the sale, transportation and storage of liquor following deaths and hospitalisations reportedly linked to suspected consumption of spurious liquor in Mangkolemba and other parts of the district.
The decision was taken at an emergency coordination meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma on Saturday with enforcement agencies, Ao Senden, AKM, Watsü Mungdang, ward and village authorities, government departments and other stakeholders.
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Verma said the administration had resolved to strictly enforce restrictions on the sale of liquor, stressing that effective enforcement would require cooperation from all stakeholders.
Mokokchung Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said raids would continue across the district and that strong measures would be taken to prevent further loss of life. He said police would also seal houses found to be involved in the sale of alcohol.
Police have so far arrested 25 people during raids across the district. Six persons arrested in Mangkolemba for allegedly possessing suspected illicit liquor are in police remand, while 19 others arrested in Tuli, Changtongya and Mokokchung town for allegedly selling alcohol have been remanded to judicial custody.
Kezo said a Special Investigation Team headed by the Additional SP has been constituted to investigate the deaths and that a case has been registered at Mangkolemba Police Station.
According to the SP, the investigation so far indicated that the suspected liquor originated from “a neighbouring state”. He said that if forensic examination establishes that the liquor had been adulterated, the police would coordinate with Assam Police.
He also said the source of alcohol involved in the Tuensang cases had been traced to a neighbouring state and that police were coordinating in connection with the matter.
Post-mortem examinations of the deceased have been conducted, while samples are scheduled to be sent to the Central Forensic Laboratory in Guwahati next week. The suspected liquor seized during the raids will also be sent for forensic examination.
DC issues public health advisory
In a public advisory issued later on Saturday, the Deputy Commissioner’s office advised the public across Mokokchung district to refrain from purchasing and consuming liquor in view of the health alert over suspected consumption of spurious liquor and the subsequent deaths and hospitalisations.
The advisory stated that there would be “zero tolerance” against the sale, transportation and storage of liquor and that the ongoing enforcement drive would be intensified with the cooperation of town, village and ward authorities and civil society organisations.
The administration also advised anyone who has consumed liquor, particularly within the previous 48 hours, to immediately seek medical attention if they experience symptoms including dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, nausea, severe abdominal pain or loss of consciousness.
The public has been urged to report suspected transportation or sale of liquor to the police. Mokokchung Police can be contacted at 6009828769, Mangkolemba Police at 7005675868, and Tuli Police at 7005512093.
The administration has appealed to village councils, ward and colony authorities, municipal and town councils, civil society organisations, government departments and the public to extend active support to enforcement agencies and help prevent further loss of life.