Urges govt to uphold prohibition law until amended, calls on Naga groups to shun illegal liquor trade
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has endorsed the Naga Students’ Federation’s (NSF) recent appeal for stricter enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, urging the State Government to uphold the law consistently until it is amended or repealed through the Legislature.
In a statement issued on July 25, the NBCC said the students’ body had raised an issue that extends beyond prohibition and touches on the principles of good governance, accountability and the rule of law.
“The question before us is not first whether the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act should be retained, amended or repealed,” the council stated. “However, until the law is changed through the Legislature, it remains binding upon every citizen and every public authority.”
The church body said selective or inconsistent enforcement of an existing law weakens public confidence in government and undermines the rule of law. It described the NSF’s appeal as a reminder that governments must faithfully implement laws enacted by the Legislature.
The NBCC also expressed concern over the social consequences of the illegal liquor trade, stating that alcohol abuse contributes to problems such as broken families, domestic violence, poverty, crime and addiction.
RECAP | NSF demands strict enforcement of NLTP Act, warns of democratic action
In a significant appeal, the NBCC called on Naga nationalist groups to reject any direct or indirect involvement in illegal liquor syndicates or other unlawful activities. It urged them instead to support justice and transparency by exposing illegal activities that harm society.
It further appealed to the Excise Department to expand enforcement operations beyond Dimapur to Kohima and other districts, saying implementation of the prohibition law should be consistent across the State.
While acknowledging that there may be differing views on the future of the NLTP Act, the NBCC said any review of the legislation should take place through constitutional and democratic processes, backed by public consultation and evidence-based discussion.
The council also called on colony chairpersons, ward councillors and community leaders to work alongside government agencies in addressing alcoholism and the illegal liquor trade, describing the issue as a shared social responsibility.
Stating that the growing support from different sections of society reflected increasing concern over the impact of alcohol abuse, the NBCC urged the State Government to respond to the NSF’s appeal and take appropriate action in accordance with the law and in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
