Dimapur, March 2 (MExN): The Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) has proposed that Nagaland state government address the issues around the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989 with focus on ‘harm reduction’ with the objective of evolving laws or acts that promote a ‘common good’ for all people.
On Wednesday, the CAN released a statement which it had submitted during the February 24 consultation with civil society organisations, stating that “reduction of supply and demand policies such as NLTP Act 1989 will cost multi resources with no output or little result.”
It said that use and consumption of alcohol exists all over the world and that people who want alcohol will still find a way to get them by any means. However, by readdressing the issue with the cardinal objective of evolving laws or acts of the Government which will promote a ‘Common Good’ for all people, and by reviewing the Act with ‘Harm Reduction’ approaches, new laws or acts may be enacted which will allow the supply of good quality alcohol with controlled mechanism.
It said that reduction of supply and reduction demand had been a battle which many governments and societies had struggled with, and as such, proposed for a harm reduction strategy which controls the supply and demand of alcohol, and in the process reduces the harms on social, economic and health of the community.
Stating that it will continue to support the plans and policies of the Government, the CAN added that “Catholic families and members shall be conscientised on the issues of responsible alcohol consumption and on the duties and responsibilities as citizen of the State.”
