The recent seizure of 790 cases of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) by Mokokchung Police is commendable. Intercepting such a massive consignment during a routine highway check is no small achievement, and the swift arrest of three individuals involved reflects the dedication of the police force. Their vigilance deserves recognition.
However, while we appreciate this success, the case raises several concerning questions that remain unanswered. Crucially, the official report does not mention the point of origin of the truck. Where did the liquor come from? Considering the geography, the consignment most likely entered Nagaland from Assam — where alcohol is legally available — through an inter-state check gate. If that is the case, how did a truck carrying nearly 800 cases of contraband manage to cross into Nagaland despite the NLTP Act and the presence of police check posts? Equally unclear is the role of the three arrested individuals. Were they merely drivers and helpers, or are they the actual owners of the consignment? The report does not clarify, leaving us to wonder if the real masterminds remain safely in the shadows, as is often the case with such operations.
Adding to these concerns is the undeniable fact that illegal liquor is openly available across Nagaland, despite the total prohibition under the NLTP Act. This reality raises serious questions — not just about the effectiveness of the Act itself, but also about the commitment and efficiency of those responsible for enforcing it.
Further deepening suspicion is the memory of last year’s bust of an illegal liquor production unit in the Tuli area. Could it be that some of the IMFL flooding our markets is produced locally, within our own borders? The raid exposed an illegal production facility operating within Mokokchung’s boundaries, raising concerns about homegrown networks working in tandem with external suppliers.
If the fight against the illegal liquor trade is to be won, it cannot stop at roadside interceptions. While such interceptions are crucial, they only scratch the surface of a much larger problem. Without deeper investigations, stricter border control, and the dismantling of internal networks, the cycle will only repeat.
