KOHIMA: Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Dimapur have united to advocate for the lifting of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989 from the district.
Gathering under the banner of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) at its office on Monday, representatives from various CSOs deliberated on the demand and submitted a appeal to the Nagaland governor seeking the repeal of the Act in Dimapur.
Speaking to the press following the meeting, NCD President Etsungmomo Kikon highlighted the resolution to escalate the matter with the Nagaland government.
Despite the earlier submission of representations to the governor, face-to-face discussions with state officials were elusive, prompting the CSOs to seek direct engagement with the government.
During the meeting, which was attended by representatives from Dimapur District GB Union, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur and Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), a committee was formed with the DUCCF tasked with spearheading the advocacy efforts.
Kikon stated that all CSO presidents in Dimapur would serve on the committee, facilitating further consultations with the federation.
DUCCF President Zasivikho Zakiesato underscored the federation’s responsibility in addressing the three-decade-old issue, affirming the commitment to involve all segments of Dimapur society to exert pressure on the government.
The NLTP Act 1989, enacted by the Nagaland Assembly amidst pressure from churches and CSOs, aimed to ban all liquor products and businesses in the state.
However, the DUCCF’s research, conducted in 2023, highlighted the Act’s non-implementation and its “adverse effects” on the citizens of Nagaland.
It concluded that the Act had failed to benefit society as intended, instead resulting in unintended consequences for the public.
