The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has expressed support for the Angami Youth Organization (AYO) following its interception of a truck allegedly carrying Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) near Jotsoma and has called for a transparent inquiry into allegations of collusion between smugglers and certain law enforcement personnel.
In a statement issued on June 5, the NBCC commended the AYO, along with the Jotsoma Youth Organisation (JYO) and Tsiepama Youth Organisation (TYO), for what it described as their efforts to safeguard public welfare by confronting illegal activities.
The church body said the allegations of a “nexus” between smugglers and law enforcement personnel, as reported by the AYO, were “alarming” and warranted immediate attention from the authorities.
“If true, this is not only a breach of law but a betrayal of public trust,” the NBCC stated, while calling for a swift and transparent investigation into the allegations.
The council also sought protection for whistleblowers and youth volunteers against threats or retaliation and stressed that due process should be followed.
“If allegations are proven false, the truth must clear the names of those accused. If proven true, there must be due process without shielding,” it said.
Reaffirming its support for the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, the NBCC said the legislation was intended to protect Naga families, particularly young people, from the social and economic harm associated with alcohol abuse.
The NBCC further urged the Excise Department, Police and the State Government to review checkpoint procedures, strengthen oversight mechanisms and address loopholes that may allow liquor consignments to evade detection.
It may be mentioned that the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) intercepted a truck carrying a large consignment of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) near Mt. Tabor on the Jotsoma bypass road on the night of May 29.
In a press statement, the organisation said its volunteers came across a truck bearing registration number AS01EC-4296 being unloaded and searched by fully masked personnel of a paramilitary force. Upon intervention by the volunteers, the vehicle was found to be transporting a full load of IMFL liquor. The AYO alleged that the armed personnel fled the scene when questioned.
Following the incident, the organisation said it seized the consignment and conducted an inquiry. According to the AYO, the inquiry indicated a possible nexus between certain law enforcement personnel and individuals involved in illegal liquor trafficking. The organisation expressed concern over what it described as collusion that enables the movement of prohibited goods despite security checks along highways and other routes into Kohima.
The AYO also questioned the implementation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act and alleged that loopholes in enforcement have benefited smugglers and their associates.
The seized consignment was later handed over to the Excise and Prohibition Department, Kohima, in the presence of departmental officials and representatives of the Jotsoma Youth Organization and Tsütuonuomia Youth Organization.
The organisation said it would remain vigilant against illegal activities and warned against any intimidation or retaliation directed at its volunteers or citizens reporting such incidents.