Nagaland Congress demands probe into liquor deaths, seeks government accountability

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths in Tuensang reportedly linked to the consumption of suspected spurious liquor, questioning how prohibited liquor was able to reach consumers in a state that bans its sale and possession.

In a statement on Sunday, the party expressed grief over the deaths and sought stringent action against those involved in the alleged manufacture, supply, transportation and sale of the liquor.

The NPCC also called for an inquiry into possible negligence, failure or complicity by the Excise & Prohibition department, police and other enforcement agencies.

“If Nagaland is a dry state, how did suspected spurious liquor enter the market, move through the supply chain and reach consumers with such devastating consequences?” the party asked.

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The Congress demanded that the state government provide immediate ex-gratia compensation to the bereaved families and appropriate assistance to those undergoing treatment.

It also sought public disclosure of forensic and laboratory findings, along with the outcome of the investigation into the deaths.

The party called for a comprehensive review of the implementation and enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, which prohibits the possession, sale, consumption, manufacture, import and export of liquor in the state.

The NPCC maintained that the government could not place the entire responsibility on the victims when prohibited and potentially poisonous liquor was allegedly circulating despite the prohibition law.