The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has lauded the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) for urging the state government to strictly implement the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has lauded the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) for urging the state government to strictly implement the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.
“We commend the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) for courageously reminding the Government of Nagaland that the rule of law is fundamental to a just and orderly society. Their appeal is not merely about the enforcement of a particular statute; it is a call for integrity in governance, accountability in public service, and faithfulness to the responsibilities entrusted to those in authority,” stated the NBCC, even as it urged the government to take appropriate steps in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
While acknowledging that decisions on whether the NLTP Act should be retained, amended, or repealed rest with the democratic process, it maintained that the law remains binding on everyone until it is amended or repealed by the Legislature.
“To ignore or selectively enforce an existing law is to weaken the moral authority of government itself,” it said, adding that uneven enforcement erodes public confidence, fosters corruption, and undermines respect for the rule of law.
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“The NSF has also drawn attention to the wider social consequences of unchecked illegal liquor trade. Christians recognize that the abuse of alcohol often contributes to broken families, domestic violence, poverty, crime, neglect of children, addiction, and the erosion of human dignity.
“While not every social problem can be attributed to alcohol, neither can the destructive effects of illegal liquor networks be ignored. It also appears that most criminal cases and fatal car accidents are directly attached to drunkenness,” it stated.
The NBCC also urged Naga nationalist groups “to reject any form of involvement, direct or indirect in illegal syndicates or unlawful activities” and serve the people by exposing illegal activities.
It went on to “urge all stakeholders to ensure that their actions consistently reflect the ideals they publicly profess, becoming examples of ethical leadership and faithful stewardship for the people of Nagaland”.
On revisiting NLTP Act
“If there is a genuine desire to revisit the NLTP Act, such discussions should proceed openly through constitutional and democratic processes, informed by careful evidence, broad public consultation with stakeholders, and sincere concern for the common good,” the NBCC stated.
“Until that time, however, neither administrative convenience nor political expediency can justify neglecting the enforcement of an existing law,” it added.
While appreciating the Excise Department in Dimapur for conducting raids, the council urged the Excise Commissioner to undertake such operations across the state.
It also called upon all leaders to actively partner in safeguarding the people from the growing menace of alcoholism and illegal liquor trade.