Kohima, March 31 (MExN): K Therie has stated that lifting the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989 is not the solution to alcohol-related deaths and the socio-economic impact on families.
In a statement, Therie said that many deaths among individuals aged 40 to 70 were linked to alcohol use disorder (AUD), describing it as a chronic and relapsing condition that places a burden on families and society. He noted that such cases often result in prolonged hospitalisation and leave families in difficult circumstances.
He acknowledged that complete enforcement of prohibition may not be possible and noted that traditional practices involving alcohol exist.
However, the former President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) emphasised that the primary concern is alcohol addiction, which he described as a condition characterised by loss of control over consumption, cravings, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
Therie also expressed concern over the reported presence of a large number of alcohol outlets in Dimapur, including instances of adulterated products, and alleged that illegal trade remains widespread, extending to rural areas.
Highlighting the need for intervention, he stated that addressing alcohol dependence requires long-term treatment, including detoxification, counselling and rehabilitation, rather than short-term measures.
He further suggested that both the State Government and civil society, including the Church, have roles to play in addressing the issue, calling for stronger systems and institutional responses to tackle the problem.
Therie’s statement came amid growing calls for a review of the NLTP Act in the recent past.
