DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 6 (MExN): Several Ao organizations from Mokokchung today submitted a memorandum to the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner calling for strict enforcement of the NLTP Act in the district.
The memo was signed by representatives of the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), Ao Senden, Watsu Mungdang, Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM), Artang Baptist Church, Artang Ward Yimden and Ashiponger Foundation.
The memo said that the Act has been a total failure where the sale and consumption of liquor has remained unchecked by the law enforcing agencies.
“This has led to the mushrooming of several bootleggers operating in a massive scale in the district acting in total contravention to the NLTP Act. The 'free flow' of liquor is seriously jeopardizing the future of the younger generation and disrupting the peace and tranquility in the district. It is also common knowledge that locally produced beverages with high alcohol content is being openly marketed and sold in broad daylight in various shops in the district under the nose of law enforcing agencies,” the memo pointed out.
It demanded that the “real culprits” behind the illegal operation of liquor shops be caught and stringent action taken against them. The memo said that despite raids being carried out, only the salesmen are caught, persecuted, granted bail and released while the main liquor barons are left untouched.
It also called for raids at all the shops in Mokokchung selling locally produced homemade wine and beverages containing alcohol, and that their trade licenses be cancelled immediately.
The memo further demanded proper checking by the Excise and Police Department in all the inter-state and inter-district check gates. “It is common knowledge that bootleggers connive with some of the personnel of the law enforcing agencies who allow vehicles carrying illegal liquor to pass through the gates,” the organizations pointed out.
They therefore called for strict orders to be passed and erring law enforcing personnel be suspended from their service.
The memo served a seven day deadline to the district administration to take cognizance of these illegal activities and to implement strict measures.
