Kohima, 26 August: The Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) has expressed strong opposition to the Nagaland State Government’s recent decision to revisit and potentially partially lift the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989. The KBPF, representing the collective voice of pastors in Kohima, emphasized the historical significance of the NLTP Act and the extensive efforts made by various groups to ensure its enactment.
The NLTP Act, according to the KBPF, “has long served as a safeguard against the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.” The pastors recalled that the law was brought into force in 1989 as a result of “fervent prayers of believers, as well as much pain and struggles by way of staging mass protests, public rallies, even Fast unto Death, spearheaded by the NBCC and Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and other Civil Societies.”
The KBPF expressed “deep concern and strong opposition” to the Cabinet’s decision to revisit the Act, calling the move “an outright violation of God’s precepts.” They argued that lifting the ban is not only “unwise but irresponsible and is a dangerous step backward.” The fellowship pointed out that pastors frequently deal with a variety of problems among their congregations, “but most of them are alcohol-related.” These issues include “health complications, moral and spiritual degradation, family breakdown, domestic violence, and other social problems.”
While some have suggested that lifting the prohibition could boost the state’s economy through increased sales and tax revenues, the KBPF warned that “this short-term gain will be offset by very costly long-term social, physical, psychological, spiritual and economic deterioration of families.” They questioned whether the state could afford to “pay this price by playing with the lives of its citizens,” and stated that it is “unthinkable for any responsible leader to sacrifice the precious lives of its people over monetary profit.”
The Act in itself has not failed us
The KBPF further posed the question, “Has the NLTP Act failed us?” and responded, “It is obvious, the Act in itself has not failed us. We must admit that we have collectively failed.” The fellowship urged the government to “strictly implement the Act through proper consultation over the rhetoric of revenue” and warned that relaxing the Act “will be disastrous.”
In alignment with the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), the KBPF reaffirmed its firm stance against the proposed partial lifting of the NLTP Act and pledged to “continue to advocate for policies that promote the welfare and safety of our citizens.” The pastors also called upon every believer, regardless of denomination, and all responsible citizens to “prayerfully take the stand likewise.”
The KBPF concluded with a message to the government, highlighting the importance of listening to the Church’s voice, which they described as the majority voice in Nagaland. Quoting the Bible, they asked, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
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