The Mizoram Presbyterian Church has asked its members to pray for the continued implementation of ban on alcohol in the state. In a statement, the largest church organisation in the state, said it believes “violent crimes such as murder, rape and accidents are mostly committed under the influence of alcohol,” adding, “We urge all our members to pray for the success and continuation of the prohibition law.” The statement also recalled the church’s own assessment from 1994 that showed 65 per cent of the widows lost their husbands to alcohol abuse.
It is worthy to note here that the state government is preparing a new law that will allow the sale and consumption of liquor in the state. However, it has provisions for stringent punishment against offenders such as those found driving while drunk. The bill is expected to be introduced in the state assembly in March.