Key civil society organizations in Dimapur have revived their campaign to lift the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, in the district.
The decision was taken during a joint consultative meeting held today with representatives from Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), Gaon Bura Union Dimapur Sadar, Dimapur Urban Colony Chairmen’s Federation (DUCCF), Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, Dimapur District Gaon Bura Association, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Business Association of Nagas, Dimapur District Citizens Forum, Eastern Naga Women Organization Dimapur, and Eastern Dimapur Naga Students’ Union.
The participants observed that the prohibition has failed to curb liquor sales and consumption in the district. DUCCF President and NCD Councillor Zasivikho Zakiesato was reaffirmed as Convener of the Committee for Lifting the NLTP Act to continue pursuing the movement, originally launched in November 2023.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, NCD President GK Rengma stated that the Act, which has been in force for 36 years, has not been effectively implemented. He added that all participating CSOs unanimously agreed to appeal for the lifting of the NLTP Act in Dimapur.
Rengma recalled that a representation had been submitted to the state government and the then governor in 2023, which was later discussed in the Assembly.
DUCCF President Zakiesato said that the NCD had entrusted DUCCF in 2023 to study and handle the issue. He disclosed that a roadmap has now been finalized to re-approach the state government with fresh representations. He noted that no formal reply to their 2023 representation had been received from the government, though the matter was discussed during the Assembly’s winter session.
Zakiesato said that the CSOs would continue to act as a pressure group, hold consultations, and, if necessary, submit fresh representations. He added that the initiative was being taken in public interest and not for personal gain. He also said that consultations with the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), which opposes lifting of the NLTP Act, had not yet been undertaken.