Kohima: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has expressed concern over the state government’s decision to temporarily relax the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act to permit the sale and consumption of alcohol for tourists during the ten-day Hornbill Festival.
General Secretary of NBCC, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, has voiced concerns over the recent provisions allowing liquor consumption during the Hornbill Festival.
He argued that the government’s focus on revenue should not outweigh the potential harm caused by alcohol consumption.
Rev Keyho emphasized that the church remains steadfast in its support for the continuation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.
“Everyone seems to know the ill effects of alcohol in society in general and the family in particular. Every mother has a story to tell about how liquor has destroyed the family. And yet we continue to ignore this aspect and the arguments continue,” Rev Keyho added.
He also raised concerns about the potential perception of Nagaland as a destination primarily for alcohol consumption. He argued that tourists should be attracted to the state’s rich cultural heritage and unique tribal lifestyle, rather than the availability of liquor.
“The tourists are not visiting our state because there is a provision for visitors to drink liquor in Nagaland. But we believe they are here because they want to experience our culture and our heritage and our tribal way of life,” he added.
Keyho acknowledged that despite the church’s strong opposition to the sale and consumption of alcohol and the implementation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, there is still an illegal inflow of liquor into the state.
He said the virtual “tug-of-war” persists between the government and the church in the state, over the issue of whether to “lift” or “strengthen” the NLTP Act.
ALSO READ: Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar reviews implementation of centrally sponsored schemes in Nagaland
Keyho cautioned that while tourists may leave after the festival, the negative repercussions of relaxing the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act would continue to impact families and communities in the state long after the event concludes.
