Despite Nagaland’s long-standing dry-state status, tribal leaders and civil society organisations in Dimapur are calling for renewed discussions on the effectiveness of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989.
On Monday, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and civil society groups convened a three-hour consultation with presidents of 15 of the 20 Dimapur-based tribal hohos at Hotel Saramati to examine whether the decades-long prohibition has achieved its intended goals.
Zasivikho Zakiesato, convenor of the consultative committee, said prohibition has “caused more harm than good,” particularly in a district bordering Assam, where alcohol remains easily accessible. He added that another meeting with the tribal hohos is scheduled for January 2026, stressing that Monday’s consultation was only the first step in a continued dialogue to ensure Dimapur’s collective voice is fully represented.
Citing the United States’ 14-year prohibition experience, Zakiesato clarified that the demand is not for liquor outlets to open indiscriminately or immediately, but that any decision should follow “thorough consultation and careful consideration.” Stressing that the groups are not opposed to the Church or any organisation, he added, “Dimapur’s social and moral realities are evident to all, and civil society leaders have a responsibility to address them.”
“We are not against the churches. However, despite strong enforcement and consistent pressure over 36 years, the situation on the ground has been different,” he said.
NCD president GK Rengma highlighted the continued presence of illegal liquor outlets and bootlegging across colonies and restaurants, explaining that the initiative seeks to tackle “realities that many acknowledge but few raise publicly.”
Further consultations are planned with all villages in Dimapur on November 26 and with the Dimapur Bar Association on November 28, forming part of a broader roadmap to ensure the district’s collective voice is accurately represented in any deliberation regarding the NLTP Act. (With inputs from Eastern Mirror)