The Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Nagaland stating its “considered position” on the ongoing proposals from civil society groups demanding relaxation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, particularly in Dimapur district. The memorandum dated November 26, 2025, was addressed to the Chief Minister “for your kind and urgent consideration.”
ABAM recalled that the NLTP Act was enacted following the “earnest appeals of the churches and civil society organisations, led prominently by the NBCC,” after witnessing the “grave social, moral, health, and economic harms caused by unrestricted access to alcohol.” The memorandum stated that the Act emerged as a “legislative expression of the people’s collective will to safeguard future generations from addiction, family breakdown, and social decay,” and upheld Nagaland as a “moral and social example both within India and beyond.”
Responding to arguments that the Act has “failed,” ABAM said such a conclusion is “factually unsound and morally untenable.” It asserted that the Act cannot be deemed a failure because “the Act has never been implemented in its full spirit.”
It pointed out that the legislation mandates the establishment of a Commission to guide and monitor implementation, but “this statutory Commission has never been constituted.”
The memorandum further stated that “adequate enforcement mechanisms were never put in place,” leading to “significant loopholes, weak vigilance and the unchecked growth of illegal trade.”
ABAM argued that “a law that has not been operationalized cannot be evaluated,” adding that the challenges witnessed today are “not failures of the NLTP Act itself, but direct consequences of prolonged non-implementation and the absence of sustained governmental commitment.”
ABAM expressed “deep concern over the recent and mounting pressure” from groups such as the Dimapur Naga Council (DNC) and allied organizations who have urged the Government to lift the Act in Dimapur. It said such submissions portray the prohibition policy as “outdated and ineffective,” which ABAM believes “does not reflect the true situation nor the original intent of the Act.”
The memorandum said ABAM “strongly opposes such proposals,” calling them “misguided and detrimental to the wellbeing of families, youth and future generations.” Relaxation in Dimapur, it warned, would “inevitably result in rapid influx of alcohol into all districts of Nagaland,” normalise consumption, “accelerate addiction rates among the youth,” and “lead to increased domestic conflicts, accidents, and severe health-related harms.”
ABAM rejected financial or commercial arguments in favor of relaxation, stating that “temporary economic interests” cannot outweigh the long-term wellbeing of people, especially when the “social costs of addiction, domestic violence, accidents, school dropouts and family breakdown far outweigh any projected gain.”
It added that the visible presence of liquor in Dimapur and elsewhere is being “misconstrued as a reflection of the Act’s failure,” whereas the situation highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement. It called for “strengthening the capacities of enforcement agencies,” enhancing coordination between Police, Excise and district administration, and identifying illegal supply networks.
In its recommendations, ABAM requested the Government to “constitute the NLTP Act Commission immediately,” describing it as “the foremost requirement.” It also called for strengthening legislative provisions, reclassifying offences as non-compoundable, introducing strict penalties for organized violators, and empowering the Excise Department through manpower, logistics and specialized training.
The memorandum also recommended statewide border monitoring, strengthening intelligence networks, and expanding rehabilitation services for individuals and families affected by alcoholism. It urged the Government to “reject any proposal of relaxation in Dimapur district,” warning that any partial relaxation would “inevitably lead to uncontrolled access across Nagaland.”
“Honourable Sir, in faithful responsibility towards the wellbeing of our society, we humbly urge your esteemed office to fully implement the NLTP Act as originally intended,” ABAM stated, further requesting the immediate constitution of the Commission and strengthening of enforcement “rather than dilute the law.”
Signed by Rev Temsu Jamir on behalf of ABAM, the memorandum assured the Chief Minister of the organization’s cooperation through “awareness programmes, moral guidance, youth engagement, and community support,” praying that God grants the leadership “wisdom and discernment as you lead Nagaland towards a safer, healthier, and morally upright future.”
(Read full text hereAMP)