KOHIMA: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has strongly opposed the state government’s decision to revisit the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989.
The Congress has called on the Nagaland government to reconsider its decision and proposed holding consultations with all stakeholders before taking any final decision regarding the Act.
In a statement issued on Sunday, The NPCC asserted that the state government’s choice to reconsider the NLTP Act has caused a rift within Naga society, as individuals have expressed differing opinions on whether or not the Act should be revised.
It further stated that the NLTP Act, enacted in 1989 and enforced in 1990 under the then Congress government in the state, was a reflection of the strong and unanimous public sentiment of that era.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Baptist Pastors Union (NBPU) has reaffirmed its commitment to The Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, emphasizing that the Act was established through a united effort by Church and Civil Society organizations following extensive rallies and demands.
In a press release, NBPU President Imnatoshi Longkumer and General Secretary Wongtokiu emphasized that lifting the Act, even partially, would lead to severe social issues, including widespread alcohol-related problems in the state.
The NPCC argued that even if the state generated crores of rupees in revenue from liquor sales after repealing the NLTP Act, the negative consequences of alcohol consumption would far outweigh the financial benefits.
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The union appealed for a renewed commitment from all sectors to uphold Nagaland’s status as a ‘dry state’.
The union also advocated for a collaborative approach among the state government, church, and civil society to combat liquor-related issues.
