KOHIMA, MARCH 4 (MExN): The Naga Mothers Association (NMA) today called for a review of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act and asked the State Government to initiate a proper debate on this with the NBCC and all concerned stakeholders.
A press release from the NMA reminded that NLTP Act was made at a certain stage of Naga history. Prohibition back then was trying to address a social issue in the midst of armed conflict and people dying due to alcoholism, it stated.
The NMA, then as an organisation that supported the NBCC, was trying to address the aftermath of alcoholism by opening the first rehabilitation and de-addiction centre with Kripa Foundation, Mumbai at Zubza, later shifted to Mount Gilead Home, Cradle Ridge, T Khel Model Village, Rutsa By-Pass (earlier Seithogei).
“One reason why mothers in villages and towns still move so strongly for prohibition is because they live the reality of alcoholic violence, domestic abuse, poverty due to hard earned money spent on drinking,” it pointed out. The NMA meanwhile informed that there are rising cases of alcoholism among women, young boys and girls, including school children.
It further pointed out that alcohol syndicates, manufactured spurious liquor, thriving business ongoing in nexus with all kinds of networks, including State agencies, is a wakeup call for the State Government and citizens. “Loopholes in the Act have encouraged defaulters to go scot free or with light punitive measures. These loopholes must be reviewed,” it added.
The NMA asserted that reviewing the act should be the first priority of the State Government. It meanwhile informed that though the State Government had held consultations earlier, the NBCC, who had moved for the said act, was not invited for the same.
