Longleng, November 25 (MExN): The Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA) has reaffirmed its support for the Nagaland Baptist Church Council’s (NBCC) position on retaining the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989.
The resolution was adopted during the 72nd PBCA General Executive and Central Council held from 13–16 November at the Mission Centre, Nyengchingkong, Longleng.
In a press release, the PBCA said the NLTP Act represents a significant moral and spiritual covenant between the Naga people and God, and reiterated its opposition to any move to repeal the legislation.
It asserted that the Act reflects Nagaland’s collective commitment to uphold a “holy, peaceful and sober society.”
According to the Association, the churches view the 1989 law, passed in the 60-member State Assembly, as a product of “God’s providence,” aligning with biblical principles of purity and self-control.
The enactment, it stated, came through the efforts of church leaders, spearheaded by the NBCC and Naga Mothers’ Association, and accompanied by prayer and fasting.
Highlighting its concerns, the PBCA maintained that alcohol consumption continues to have “devastating effects” on individuals, families and society, contributing to domestic violence, emotional trauma, mistrust, financial strain and an unhealthy environment for spiritual well-being.
It argued that Naga society still struggles with moderate drinking and that alcohol has “not contributed anything good to anyone so far.”
Citing studies and evaluations conducted by church bodies, the PBCA contended that the NLTP Act has had positive outcomes.
These include a reduction in alcohol-related crime and disorder; improvements in public health due to lower rates of alcohol-related illness; fewer accident cases; and enhanced social stability as domestic violence and other disturbances decline.
The Association further urged the government, bureaucrats and civil society leaders to apply “greater moral and spiritual discernment” when engaging with the ongoing debate on prohibition.
Reiterating its stance, the PBCA issued what it described as a “simple yet powerful reminder”: not to consume alcohol before driving, going to court, returning home, attending office, or as students working towards their future.
