24 June 2010: Social and religious groups along with parents are up in arms and want total prohibition in Matupi township Chin State, western Burma.
“We are forced to buy alcohol license/permit from the owners to prevent sales in Chin state,” said a bible student in Matupi town.
There are about four selling points – public police and other private selling centers in Matupi town. Most of the alcohol is brought from outside the state. Drinking leads to family problems like divorce among others. We have to curb alcoholism as much as possible, said a local.
Pursuing this crusade volunteers check every vehicle that enters Matupi town but they cannot check vehicles of military personnel.
“We check each and every one from other states except military personnel. No one has complained regarding this because they also want to eradicate alcoholism in the state.
Although the authorities have supported this crusade, the military regime is trying to distance itself from it.
Religious and youth groups had undertaken such activity in Thantlang town in Chin state western Burma last year.
