Nitish Kumar plans longest human chain in support of prohibition

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday said that the state government will organise the world`s longest human chain in support of prohibition in January 2017.

"We have decided to hold the world`s longest human chain in support of prohibition in the state on January 21," Nitish Kumar said in Darbhanga during his ongoing Nischay Yatra.

He said the government was committed to the development and the human chain in support of prohibition would reflect just that.

According to Bihar Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, nearly two crore people would join the human chain in support of prohibition.

"We are working to mobilise and motivate people across the state to join the human chain," he said.

Singh made it clear that the "longest and largest" human chain would be organised "not for world record purpose" but to highlight people`s support for prohibition of liquor in the state.

Excise Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan said the proposed human chain would connect Gandhi Maidan in Patna to every nook and corner of the state.

"The government agencies and party leaders and workers of the grand alliance of JD-U, RJD and Congress will work to encourage people to join the human chain," Mastan said.

"It will be a memorable human chain for a cause," he added.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had announced a total liquor ban in the state with effect from April 5.

The Patna High Court, on September 30, quashed the April 5 notification banning consumption and sale of alcohol in the state, saying it was ultra vires of the constitution.

Later, the state government moved the apex court, which put the HC order on hold on October 7. The matter is likely to be heard next on December 12.