Dimapur, December 29 (MExN): The Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum (DDCF) has come out in support of lifting the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989 in Dimapur district, stating that the law has failed to achieve its intended objectives even after more than three decades of enforcement.
In a statement issued on Monday, the DDCF, representing both Naga and non-Naga communities in the district, said the prohibition regime had instead driven the liquor trade underground, resulting in the emergence of unregulated black markets allegedly controlled by powerful syndicates. According to the Forum, these illegal networks thrive on corruption, compromise public safety and function beyond effective law enforcement, while ordinary citizens continue to face the consequences.
Describing Dimapur as the commercial and economic hub of Nagaland, the DDCF said the district bears the brunt of the failed policy. It claimed that illegal liquor is openly available, with little control over quality and safety, and that the situation has contributed to increased law-and-order challenges. The Forum further pointed out that the burden of enforcement has disproportionately fallen on local communities and colony leaders, who lack both the authority and resources to deal with an underground economy.
Stating that regulation is more effective than prohibition, the DDCF maintained that lifting the NLTP Act in Dimapur would allow the government to introduce a transparent and regulated system. Such a system, it argued, could ensure quality control, curb criminal activity, generate legitimate revenue and strengthen law enforcement mechanisms. The Forum suggested that revenue generated through regulation could be utilised for public welfare initiatives, including healthcare, education, youth development, as well as de-addiction and awareness programmes.
The DDCF clarified that its support for lifting prohibition should not be interpreted as an endorsement of alcoholism or related social problems. On the contrary, it said regulation would make it possible to enforce responsible consumption through strict age restrictions, controlled sales and stronger penalties for violations—measures it described as largely unattainable under the current prohibition regime.
Appealing to the Nagaland Government to “listen to voices from the ground,” the Forum urged it to acknowledge the realities faced by residents of Dimapur and take what it termed a bold, pragmatic and people-centric decision by lifting the NLTP Act in the district.
The DDCF also expressed its willingness to work with the government, civil society organisations, churches and other stakeholders to ensure that any transition towards regulation is carried out responsibly and with due social sensitivity, keeping the interests of future generations in mind.
