The fifth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly will commence Tuesday, 27 August. The two-day sitting will witness discussion on various matters of Urgent Public Importance. The house is also expected to discuss the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, and the Nagaland Communitization of Public Institutions and Services Act of 2002, particularly focusing on the power sector.
Konyak CSOs reject proposal to partially lift NLTP Act
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.”
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).
Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship opposes proposal to partially lift NLTP Act
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).