Mizzima
Myanmar refugees are being blamed for an increase in thew availability of illegal alcohol in and around Aizawl, the capital of the dry Indian state of Mizoram bordering Myanmar.
Though the sale and production of all alcohol was banned in Mizoram by the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act passed in May 2019 there is a thriving alcohol black market in the state.
At a recent gathering with officials and leaders of the Central Young Mizo Association on 2 May, the Commissioner of Mizoram’s Excise and Narcotics Department, Z. Lalhmangaiha, highlighted that there has been an increase in the production of illicit alcohol in the Phunchawng area on the outskirts of Aizawl.
He blamed this increase on refugees saying: “The surge in the production of illicit homemade alcohol in the vicinity of the capital is directly linked to the influx of refugees from Myanmar.”
Aizawl and other suburbs in the area of Phunchawng have become hubs of illicit alcohol production, according to reports which also say that certain hotels and restaurants in Mizoram are openly selling alcohol, which has prompted the Revenue Department to consider launching an investigation.
Mizzima spoke to a refugee from Myanmar who said that the steep price of illicit Indian produced red liquor on the black market may be one of the reasons there has been more illicit production of cheaper rice-based liquor, which is common in Myanmar. He also pointed out that there are Myanmar citizens living and working in the areas where there has been a surge in illicit alcohol production.
But, he warned refugees not to get involved in alcohol production, saying: “As a refugee, I want to urge fellow refugees to exercise caution and respect local regulations.”
Statistics from the Mizoram State Excise and Narcotics Department reveal that from January 2024 to 25 April 2024, approximately 21,963 liters of locally made rice liquor, 8,532 bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor, and 6,960 cans of beer were seized.
Under the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act, individuals found guilty of violating the law could be fined up to 10,000 rupees and, or imprisoned for a maximum of six months.
According to data from the Mizoram State Ministry of Home Affairs, more than 34,000 Myanmar nationals, including 13,310 children, have sought refuge in Mizoram.
