As the Nagaland Government moves closer to revisiting the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has called for a day of prayer across all its affiliated churches. The NBCC’s call follows an announcement by Minister Kenye that the upcoming Nagaland Legislative Assembly session is expected to discuss the possibility of partially lifting the prohibition in certain areas.
In a letter addressed to the Executive Directors and Executive Secretaries of Baptist Associations under the NBCC, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary of NBCC, urged churches to dedicate time during their Sunday Devotional Service tomorrow, August 25, 2024, to pray concerning the government’s decision to reconsider the NLTP Act. “This is a serious matter of concern for all the believers, and it is our duty to pray,” he stated in the letter.
The NBCC’s call for prayer comes at a critical time, as the state government explores potential modifications to the decades-old prohibition law. The decision to revisit the NLTP Act has already sparked widespread debate, with various stakeholders expressing both support and opposition to any changes.
According to discussions following the Cabinet’s recent deliberations, the government is considering several key amendments to the NLTP Act. These include granting foreign liquor permits to tourists from outside the state under strict regulations, as per Section 16 of the NLTP Act, 1989. Select hotels, tourist restaurants, and government guest houses may be licensed to serve liquor, while municipalities and district headquarters could be considered for relaxation of the prohibition based on demand from concerned civil societies and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
The Cabinet is expected to direct the relevant department to take up the amendment in the upcoming Assembly session. The department has been tasked with working out the detailed terms, conditions, and modalities, which will be submitted for the decision of the competent authority. Additionally, the minimum legal drinking age is proposed to remain at 21 years.
Furthermore, the matter regarding the effective functioning of inter-state check gates is to be taken up with the Home Department, which will be responsible for developing an effective system to monitor and enforce the regulations.
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