Zasivikho Zakiesato and Tomzuk Pongen during a press conference held at the office of the Naga Council, Dimapur on December 3.
Alleges over 2700 bootleggers operating in Dimapur
Morung Express News
Dimapur I December 3
The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) under the aegis of Naga Council, Dimapur, have renewed calls for the government to review Nagaland’s 36-year prohibition policy, arguing that “the NLTP Act of 1989 has failed to curb alcohol use and has instead fuelled the growth of illicit and harmful substances in the district.”
The president of DUCCF Zasivikho Zakiesato said that the ground reality in Dimapur shows the prohibition has “caused more harm than good,” noting that alcohol continues to be openly available despite the ban.
“If almost 95 percent of stakeholders are seeking regulation instead of prohibition, we must stop living in denial,” stated Zakiesato, during a press conference held at the office of the Naga Council Dimapur on December 3.
Zakiesato informed that nearly 90 to 95 percent of the consolidation process on the issue has been completed, and added that the remaining consultations is scheduled for January.
Pointing out the silence of the churches in the annual 10-day partial lifting of prohibition during the Hornbill Festival, he maintained that a full review of the policy is overdue, if temporary lifting is acceptable for tourism.
“If the Church is against alcohol, then concerns should also be raised during festival exemptions,” Zakiesato noted.
Furthermore, he informed that “over 2,700 bootleggers operate in Dimapur,” contributing to a steady flow of adulterated alcohol that poses serious health risks.
“We know what is happening in every village and every tribe. It is time to accept the truth instead of practicing hypocrisy,” he said, adding that regulation with proper age limits and controls would be safer and more transparent.
DUCCF Vice President, Tomzuk Pongen said that the Nagas must confront the reality that the NLTP Act has not achieved its purpose, highlighting the rise in nightclubs, substance use, and weakening law-and-order despite the ban.
“We are not advocating for personal benefits. We are speaking for the safety of future generations,” he said.
Pongen also stressed the need to bring current practices into a regulated system, saying that prohibition has only strengthened illegal networks.
While the prohibition applies statewide, he said that the situation in Dimapur demands urgent attention, as the district faces the highest inflow of illegal liquor.
At the same time, he clarified that the federation is not promoting alcohol consumption but urging the government to create a safer and regulated environment.
Likewise, he informed that a final round of consultations will be held in January, after which a memorandum will be submitted to the government, stating “the decision rests with the authorities.”
