Jacob Zhimomi calls for stakeholder consultations on the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act and Naga village mapping issues.
DIMAPUR — Minister of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, has said that the decision on whether to repeal the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act should be left to the Naga people, stressing the need for discussions involving all stakeholders before arriving at a decision.
Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of the inauguration of a rostrum-cum-gallery facility under the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) Iconic Project 2025-26 at Aghunaqa headquarters in Niuland district on Friday, Zhimomi clarified his earlier statement that Niuland should be an alcohol-free district.
He said his intention was to ensure societal progress and development, adding that people should refrain from practices that create problems within society and hinder its progress.
In this regard, he said Niuland should lead by example by remaining an alcohol-free district, while leaving individuals to make their own decisions.
On discrepancies in geographical mapping that have placed several historic Naga villages in Niuland district within neighbouring districts of Assam, Zhimomi said the issue required rectification.
He pointed out that the erstwhile Dimapur district, which included Niuland and parts of present-day Chümoukedima district, had also been affected by such discrepancies.
The minister said that if a final decision had to be taken on the matter, the areas concerned should be treated as neutral territories rather than being depicted as part of another state.
He emphasised the need for discussions and consultations with the Survey of India to address the issue.
Earlier, delivering a short speech at the event, Niuland Deputy Commissioner TL Kiusumong Thikir expressed optimism about Aghunaqa's future, stating that the town could become one of the better subdivision towns within the next 10 to 20 years.
He urged the gathering to extend support and cooperation to the minister to facilitate more projects and development activities in the area.
The programme began with a welcome address by Akukatou Shitovi N Swu, vice-president of the AKK, while AKK president Akukatou Kughato Awomi delivered the vote of thanks.