Dimapur, 12 February (MTNews): Various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have united to support the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) in leading the campaign for the repeal of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act in Dimapur District. The decision comes in response to the state government’s lack of action on DUCCF’s appeal, prompting a joint meeting convened by the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) alongside eight Dimapur-based CSOs.
The meeting, held at NCD conference hall on Monday, involved representatives from NCD, DUCCF, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, Dimapur GBs’ Union (Sadar), Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business Association of Nagaland, Dimapur District GBs’ Association, and Dimapur Eastern Naga Students’ Union. Apart from DUCCF, the campaign will include all respective Presidents of Dimapur CSOs as members.
Following the meeting, NCD President Etsungmomo Kikon announced that all the CSOs unanimously endorsed DUCCF to lead consultations, aiming to lift the NLTP Act in Dimapur. DUCCF President Zasivikho Zakiesato stressed comprehensive consultations, acknowledging the Governor’s support but noting the lack of response from the chief minister’s office. However, they acknowledged that they were yet to meet the chief minister.
Zakiesato expressed DUCCF’s commitment to the assigned responsibility, ensuring inclusive consultative sessions with all Dimapur-based CSOs.
In August last year, Dimapur CSOs reminded Governor La Ganesan of their aspiration to lift the Act from Dimapur District with a proper mechanism. When asked about the Act’s removal in Niuland and Chümoukedima, formerly undivided Dimapur, Zakiesato clarified that the request pertained solely to Dimapur district on a trial basis. He mentioned sending copies of the representation to Chakhroma Public Organisation and Western Sumi Hoho.
On the stance of church organizations and women’s groups, NCD president stated that church leaders expressed solidarity with the Nagaland Baptist Church Council’s demand, while women hohos, as integral members of NCD, supported the initiative for NLTP Act’s repeal.