Zunheboto, March 20 (MExN): The Excise Department destroyed seized liquor worth nearly Rs 9 lakh in Zunheboto district on March 20 under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989.
According to official records, 1,635 bottles of liquor, including rum, canned beer and whisky, were disposed of by burning at a designated dumping site. The seized items, accumulated from multiple cases over time, were estimated at Rs 8.90 lakh.
Speaking at the programme, Chairman of the Destruction Committee and Joint Commissioner of Excise, Katoho Sumi, said "it is not appropriate to place sole blame on the Excise Department." He stated that enforcement requires cooperation from all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, community leaders and the public.
Highlighting manpower constraints, he said, "Even with limited personnel, the department carries out its duties with sincerity and commitment."
He added that the public often blames the department without understanding the challenges and called for greater support from citizens and community groups.
Officials confirmed that the destruction was carried out following due legal procedures and that the entire stock at the Excise Malkhana has been destroyed and struck off from records as per provisions of the NLTP Act.
The process was overseen by Joint Commissioner of Excise Katoho Sumi, Deputy Commissioner of Excise (Enforcement) Vithoselie Terhuja, and Superintendent of Excise, Zunheboto, L Hevito Zhimomi.
A brief prayer programme was held prior to the destruction, with benediction by Associate Pastor of Sumi Baptist Church, Zunheboto, Kupuli, and invocation by Child Pastor Ilo Achumi.
