Dimapur, March 1 (MExN): As the state continues to debate on whether the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989 which prohibits possession, sale, consumption and manufacture of liquor and import and export of it in Nagaland, more organisations have issued statements stating that the Act should not be lifted.
The statements come following news reports that the State Government could be exploring to move a proposal for partial lifting of the Act during the forthcoming budget session of the State Assembly which is scheduled for March 19-25.
Implement NLTP Act in letter & spirit
Notably, the Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) has decided to firmly appeal to the Government of Nagaland to implement the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989 in letter and spirit.
In a press release on Tuesday, the Forum informed that a meeting for its advisors and office bearers was conducted on February 28 during which a number of issues were taken up. “The churches in Nagaland are ready to come forward in support of the government in implementing the Act,” the release stated, adding that the Forum has also decided to have a pastoral conference in the first week of May 2022.
During the meeting, Rev Moses Murry welcomed the gathering and Dr N Paphino, advisor to the CFD, briefed the house on the representation of Joint Christian Forum and the presentation on the stand of the church regarding the NLTP Act, 1989. “The Christian Forum Dimapur is working towards the inclusive strategy to support the cause,” the release stated.
As per the release, the house also deliberated on the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine; the sufferings it brings to the children and women, and prayed for a diplomatic political dialogue to prevail between both the nations.
Additionally, the Forum also discussed about the atrocities meted out to minorities especially the Christians in the state of Karnataka and thus determined to write a memorandum to the officials of the state and the central government of India against the atrocities, the release stated.
“India is a pluralistic country and as citizens of India, we need to respect and accept diversities and make all to enjoy freedom and none should live with fear,” it said, while adding that it is the bounden duty of every leader to ensure that we live in harmony with each other.
NPCC objects lifting of Act
Meanwhile, opposing the lifting of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President K Therie on Tuesday said that the objective of the Act was not only to cancel permits and transportation of liquor but also to “stop the madness of alcohol addicts which destroys personal health, future, family, children, society and economy.”
In a press release, the party president agreed with the government of the day’s view that the Act had failed, however, he alleged that the government had “deliberately allowed mafias to supply alcohol all over the State.” Therie claimed that ‘mafias’ have an established system of transportation in connivance with all gates, and said that “For the liquor caught inside the state, if the Government tracks back through the gates and on all those who are on duty and have facilitated its transport, will prove that they are in connivance.”
“Given opportunity, Congress will correct addicts through reformatory schools and rehabilitation centers. We need decent and disciplined living with responsibilities,” the release stated, while adding that the state also faces a bigger threat in the form of drugs.
