Mon, 26 August: The Konyak civil society organizations (CSOs) have voiced strong opposition to the Nagaland State Government’s recent proposal to partially lift the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989. The Konyak CSOs, representing the collective voice of the Konyak people, expressed “deep concern and opposition” to the proposal, reiterating the significant role they played in the initial implementation of the NLTP Act, which made Nagaland a dry state.
In a joint statement made on Monday, the Konyak CSOs reminded the public and state authorities that “it was the Konyak CSO that first initiated the call for total prohibition of alcohol within its jurisdiction,” a movement that eventually led to the enactment of the NLTP Act in 1989. The organizations highlighted the devastating effects of unrestricted alcohol availability before the Act’s implementation, noting that “the rampant abuse of alcohol had far-reaching consequences, tearing apart families, endangering public health, inciting street brawls and fights, and depleting the economic resources of countless households.”
The Konyak CSOs emphasized that their movement was born out of a “clear and unwavering vision” to combat the rampant alcoholism that was taking a toll on their society. This grassroots movement, they noted, was later supported by other Naga tribal organizations, leading to the state-wide enforcement of the NLTP Act.
Given the community’s past experiences and the severe impact alcohol has had, the Konyak CSOs “categorically rejects any proposal for even a partial lifting of the NLTP Act within the Konyak jurisdiction.” The organizations stated, “Our society cannot afford to be used as an experimental ground for policies that may reintroduce the very challenges we fought so hard to overcome.”
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The CSOs further asserted that “the Konyak people are not yet ready to face the potential consequences of a free flow of alcohol within our communities.” They stressed that “time and careful consideration are vital for any significant changes to be accepted by society,” especially when such changes may have “profound and lasting impacts.”
While clarifying that they are not against progress or development, the Konyak CSOs insisted that any such changes must be made when the people and the environment are “truly ready to embrace them.” Until that time comes, the organizations said they stand firm in its “commitment to protecting our society from the dangers of alcohol” and urged the Nagaland State Government to “respect our stance and the will of our people” and leave the Konyak jurisdiction under the full effect of the NLTP Act 1989.
The joint statement was issued by the Konyak Union (KU), the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU), and the Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK).
Keep up the good work!