Munger, May 25 (UNI) Already facing flak from BJP-led NDA as well as a section of RJD leaders in view of the recent spurt in criminal activities across the state, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today sought to defend his government by saying that liquor traders were trying to spread canards about the return of 'Jungle Raj' to the state. "Liquor traders have hatched a deep rooted conspiracy against his government and are trying to spread canards about return of Jungle Raj to the state", Mr Kumar remarked while addressing a programme of women associated with the Jeevika programme here. Reiterating his resolve to enforce the complete prohibition in the state without any laxity, Mr Kumar said, " I am ready to sacrifice even my life to enforce the total prohibition despite all challenges". He said, liquor traders would not succeed in their game plan as the complete prohibition enjoyed the support of the people of the state particularly a large section of women too. Providing statistics to buttress his claim that the total prohibition helped control of crimes in the state, Mr Kumar said number of murder cases had reduced to 39 per cent, number of dacoity cases reduced to 54 per cent and number of loot incidents declined to 25 per cent in the state during the last one month. He said, similarly cases of kidnapping for ransom reduced to 73 per cent, cases of atrocities against women reduced to 28 per cent and number of cognizable offences reduced to 20 per cent and number of road accidents also declined to 37 per cent during the period. He said that the rule of law would continue to prevail under his regime and nobody should not have any doubt on this count. Mr Kumar said that the incident of killing of a youth in road rage in Gaya and also murder of a journalist in Siwan were unfortunate and all culprits irrespective of their posts and positions would not be spared. Earlier, he inaugurated an air strip and an air terminal built at the cost of Rs 8 crore here. UNI XC-DH AKM SHK 2151