‘Zero tolerance’ declares Mokokchung DC amid spurious liquor scare

Mokokchung, September 26 (MExN): The Mokokchung District Administration has declared “zero tolerance” against the sale, transportation and storage of liquor in the district following reports of suspected spurious liquor consumption, deaths and hospitalizations in Mangkolemba.

The decision was taken at an emergency coordination meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma on September 26, attended by enforcement agencies, ward authorities, village councils, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

Another resolution adopted was to intensify ongoing enforcement drive with cooperation from town, village and ward authorities, as well as civil society organisations.

According to a public advisory issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the meeting was convened in view of reports from Mangkolemba Sub-Division and other parts of the district regarding a public health alert arising from suspected consumption of spurious liquor.

The advisory also urged the public to refrain from purchasing and consuming liquor in view of the prevailing situation.

Meanwhile, the administration advised individuals who may have consumed liquor, particularly within the last 48 hours, to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms including dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, nausea, severe abdominal pain or loss of consciousness.

Such instances have also been advised to be reported to the nearest local authorities at the earliest, it added. 

The District Administration appealed to village councils, ward and colony authorities, municipal and town councils, civil society organisations, relevant departments and the public to extend active support and cooperation to enforcement agencies in implementing strict prohibition-related measures and preventing further loss of life.

The administration further urged the public to report information relating to suspected transportation or sale of liquor to the police.

The contact numbers provided are: Mokokchung Police – 6009828769; Mangkolemba Police – 7005675868; and Tuli Police – 7005512093.