Dimapur-based civil society organisations renew call for lifting Nagaland liquor prohibition Act

DIMAPUR — A joint consultative and coordination meeting of presidents and general secretaries from prominent Dimapur-based civil society organisations (CSOs) was held at the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) conference hall on Tuesday to deliberate on the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, and adopt an action plan to pursue its lifting in Dimapur.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, NCD president GK Rengma said the Act, which has been in force for 36 years, has not been effectively implemented. He informed that all participating CSOs unanimously agreed to appeal for lifting the NLTP Act in the district.

Rengma recalled that a representation was submitted to the state government and the then governor in 2023, which was later discussed in the Assembly. He said the meeting was held to re-examine the implementation and feasibility of the Act in Dimapur.

He pointed out that liquor continues to be easily available across the district and claimed that alcohol is openly bought and sold in all 97 recognised colonies under the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF).

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“If they want to ban alcohol, it should be totally banned,” he remarked, adding that the concern of the CSOs are neither against the church, nor supporting the government but their concern lies with the welfare of the younger generation.

DUCCF president and convener of the Committee for Lifting the NLTP Act 1989 in Dimapur, Zasivikho Zakiesato, said the NCD had entrusted DUCCF in 2023 to study and handle the issue since the federation works at the grassroots level.

He recalled that the matter was also discussed in the 2024 Assembly session, during which Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had remarked that the issue required wider deliberation among civil societies. Zakiesato informed that a roadmap has now been finalised to re-approach the state government with fresh representations.

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He further observed that despite decades of prohibition, drug abuse has only increased, linking it to the ineffective enforcement of the NLTP Act.

Calling for greater focus on curbing drug peddling, he said the discussion among CSOs was not confrontational but collaborative.

“We will continue to share our views and representations with other sections of society,” he said, adding that leaders from east Dimapur would also be consulted.

Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) general secretary Michael Kath stressed the need to review the NLTP Act in light of changing times, especially in a border town like Dimapur where alcohol is easily accessible. He said that since Dimapur shares a border with Assam, the prohibition becomes ineffective, and many students and families suffer from the resulting alcohol and drug problems.

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When asked about the government’s response to the 2023 representation, Zakiesato said no formal reply had been received, though the matter was discussed in the Assembly’s winter session. He added that the final decision rests with the government, but the CSOs would continue to act as a pressure group, hold consultations, and, if necessary, submit fresh representations.

He also said that the initiative was being taken in public interest and not for personal gain. Asked about consultation with the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Zakiesato said the CSOs were currently focusing on the public aspect of the issue and had not yet engaged with the NBCC.

Explaining why the initiative is centred on Dimapur, he said maintaining prohibition in a district bordering Assam makes little sense given the porous nature of the border. He added that while their focus is on Dimapur, other districts may take similar initiatives through their respective CSOs.

The meeting was attended by representatives from several organisations, including the DUCCF, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, Gaon Bura Union Dimapur Sadar, Dimapur District Gaon Bura Association, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Business Association of Nagas, Dimapur District Citizens Forum, and Eastern Naga Women Organisation Dimapur.