Itanagar, March 06: Taking a swig or two while on duty won’t harm policemen. Far from that, it could do a bit of good for their health.That’s what home minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Tako Dabi, said in his home state yesterday.
“It is up to the officer on duty to decide whether he should drink or not,” Dabi said. “And if the policeman does drink a bit, it’s akin to consuming water… Even I drink a lot; it generates a lot of energy.”
While at it, the minister also doled out a medical tip. “A small peg won’t harm anybody’s health,” he said, albeit with a word of caution. “One should not misbehave after drinking.”
However, the stupor of the moment seemed to have worn off as quickly as it had set in.
Speaking to Media Persons, Dabi refused to admit he had made the statement, adding that if the drink does not intoxicate, policemen can consume it.
“I have never permitted policemen to drink on duty,” Dabi said. “But local culture in Arunachal Pradesh has it that that policemen are offered indigenous brew at local festivals and marriages. I feel this is not bad for health as alcohol content in the drink is within moderate limits.”
To bolster his statement, Dabi said: “Farmers in the state consume the local drink and climb mountains to reach their fields. This proves the drink does not do any harm.”
The minister’s statement has angered students in the state.
“I have heard about the statement made by the minister but have not yet seen the video,” said Takam Tatung, president of Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union. “If it is true that the minister made such a statement, we will certainly stage a protest.”
——–Agencies