DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has reiterated its statement calling for a serious and pragmatic revisiting of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.

In a press release, the union stated that the current situation demands collective honesty, responsibility, and courage to address the realities in society.

“While the NLTP Act aimed to curb alcohol misuse, decades later it has fuelled rampant illegal trade alongside a growing crisis of substance and drug abuse, with Nagaland reporting around 624,000 substance users including over 111,000 children and 26,000 women as per recent surveys. 

“DNSU asserts that society cannot live in hypocrisy — professing prohibition while turning a blind eye to these evils, now worsened by an estimated 1.2 lakh drug users consuming over 20,000 kg of drugs like heroin and synthetic substances annually,” the DNSU stated.

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The DNSU emphasised that proper guidelines, practical frameworks, and sound governance will go a long way in tackling the challenges effectively.

It went on to state that a regulated, transparent approach with accountability, community awareness, counselling, and rehabilitation can protect youth, improve public health, and align policy with ground realities.

The union urged all stakeholders to engage in honest dialogue for reforms that prioritise Nagaland's welfare.