Bihar to Hold 'Longest Human Chain' to Back its Dry Law

Patna: Bihar will take help of a satellite to click the image of the "world's longest human chain" in January 2017 in support of prohibition in the state, said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday.

The state government has decided to form the world's longest human chain in the state on January 31 to demonstrate public support for prohibition. It will probably be first of its kind event in the country.

"We will use a satellite to take an image or a picture of the world's longest human chain in support of prohibition in January. The satellite image or picture will be used to show people's support for and propagate prohibition in the country and outside," Kumar said.

The Chief Minister was addressing a public meeting in Araria district during his ongoing "Nischay Yatra".

Explaining the need for a satellite imagery, Kumar said clicking picture of such a long human chain would not be possible using drone cameras, because it would extend from one part of the state to another part.

"Millions of people will take part in the longest human chain. They will hold their hands together for 45 minutes from eastern part of Bihar to western part and southern part to northern part," he said.

Last month, Nitish Kumar had announced the plan for the human chain to assert that the prohibition in the state enjoys people's support.

He said the prohibition model of Bihar is being discussed across the country.

Kumar has reiterated that prohibition has brought about social change and positive atmosphere in Bihar. "Crime graph has come down since prohibition has been implemented, and demand for milk, sweets and other items have increased, as people have been saving money," he said.

Excise Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan said the proposed human chain would connect people of one part of the state with those in the other parts.

"The government agencies, party leaders and workers of the grand alliance of the JD-U, RJD and the 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.

Nitish Kumar imposed a total liquor ban in the state since April 5.