Nagaland: IMFL production unit in Tuli set on fire, one arrested

Our Correspondent

Mokokchung, June 26 (EMN): Just days after the Tuli Police raided an illicit Indian-made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) production unit at a piggery stockyard under Wameken village jurisdiction of Tuli ADC HQ in Mokokchung district, Wameken Village Council (Mejensanger Putu Menden) on Saturday burnt down the site for operating an illegal activity in its area.

According to the members, such activities were against the social norms and customs, and ‘defiled the land’. So, they resolved to burn down the shack, and the action was initiated by approximately 200 volunteers from Wameken village, Wameken Senso Mungdang and Wameken Lanur.

The village council alleged that the plot was leased out only for piggery stockyard under certain terms and condition of the NOC (No Objection Certificate) and separately with the individual landowner at Longnakba Lenden area near the railway station.

In view of the flouting of guidelines, the village council immediately revoked the NOC and warned that it would take stern action against those involved in such illegal activities under its jurisdiction.

As per SDPO Tuli, Moatemjen Ao, report about illicit IMFL being stashed at a farm was received from reliable sources on June 21 at around 9 pm, and the police immediately swung into action and raided the area.

However, they were shocked to discover an illicit IMFL production unit in the piggery stockyard. 

The seized items included around 50 cases of McDowell rum along with liquor distilleries, other harmful chemicals and ingredients for producing illicit IMFL, he said.

The piggery stockyard is just 30 metre away from the railway station and one Imtichuba (35) from Unger village, currently residing in Windy Ward of Changtongya, was arrested. A case has been registered at the Tuli Police Station under relevant sections, he informed.    

However, the police officer ruled out the involvement of the land owner in this case, saying that the culprits behind this illegal activity were still absconding.    

There were talks that the illicit IMFL production unit might be operated by a group of people and not by one individual, he said, adding that the case is still under investigation. 

Meanwhile, the Wameken Village Council has submitted an ultimatum to the ADC Tuli to arrest the suspects/ accused persons involved in the illegal venture within 15 days, starting from June 25.

If the authority fails to arrest the culprits, the Council said it would pursue its own course of action and that it would not be held responsible if any untoward incidents take place.