The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has said violations of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act should not be treated as a reason to abandon prohibition, calling instead for stronger enforcement
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has said violations of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act should not be treated as a reason to abandon prohibition, calling instead for stronger enforcement, greater transparency and a review aimed at addressing gaps in implementation.
The council’s statement comes amid renewed discussion around the NLTP Act, including concerns over the illegal liquor market, spurious alcohol and difficulties in enforcement. It said the existence of violations did not, by itself, establish that the principle of prohibition was wrong.
The NBCC said any review of the law should be based on evidence, public consultation and its implications for public health, alcohol-related harm, illegal markets, family welfare and affected communities. It stressed that review should not automatically mean repeal.
The council also acknowledged that the NLTP Act was not perfect, saying ineffective provisions and loopholes needed to be addressed, alongside concerns relating to corruption, enforcement and rehabilitation.
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It called for a coordinated approach involving government and law enforcement agencies, churches, village and community organisations, women, youth and student bodies, families, medical and mental health professionals, civil society organisations and citizens.
Referring to recent deaths in Tuensang and Mokokchung, the NBCC appreciated the role of student unions, deputy commissioners and police in stricter enforcement. It also cited the destruction of seized liquor in Zünheboto as an example of collective action.
The council said addressing alcohol dependence should also form part of the response, stressing that people affected by alcohol dependence should not be stigmatised. It said churches could contribute through awareness, counselling, rehabilitation, prayer, pastoral care and community intervention.
The NBCC maintained that the NLTP Act emerged from concerns over human dignity, family welfare, public health and protection of vulnerable people. It said the focus should now be on “truthful assessment, responsible enforcement, institutional integrity, compassionate rehabilitation and evidence-based public policy”.
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