Dimapur-based CSOs, tribal hohos meet on lifting of Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act

After Monday’s three-hour long joint consultative meeting with Dimapur-based Civil Society Organisations(CSOs), at Hotel Saramati, on the issue of lifting of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989 particularly in Dimapur district Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), will continue the ongoing consultations with various villages and Dimapur Bar Association (DBA).
Briefing media persons after the meeting, Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) vice president Tonzuk Pongen informed that of 20 Dimapur-based tribal hohos invited, five could not attend. He however expressed optimism that their views would also be positive, added that similar consultative meetings would continue in the coming days.
Consultative committee convenor Zasivikho Zakiesato said the NLTP issue affected all sections of society, from elders to youth. He said that CSOs and tribal hohos under the aegis of the NCD had come together to deliberate on the matter thoroughly.
Zakiesato announced that another round of consultations with tribal hohos would be held in January 2026, saying that Monday’s meeting was the beginning of a broader process.
He said that a comprehensive consultative roadmap was essential to accurately represent Dimapur’s collective stand on the proposed lifting of the Act.
Arguing that 36 years of prohibition had “caused more harm than good,” Zakiesato said the realities on the ground—particularly in a border district like Dimapur- proved that the NLTP Act has been ineffective. He also pointed out that alcohol remained easily accessible due to the district’s proximity to Assam.
Zakiesato also cited the United States’ 14-year prohibition era as an example of a policy that eventually failed and was repealed.
Clarifying that the demand was not for indiscriminate opening of liquor outlets, Zakiesato said any decision would be made only after careful and prolonged deliberation.
He stressed that the CSOs were not opposed to the church or any group, but must address the district’s social and moral realities responsibly.
Further, Zakiesato informed that a consultation with all villages under Dimapur district would be held on November 26 and with the Dimapur Bar Association on November 28.
He said that the outcome of the proposed meetings would be incorporated into the overall roadmap.
On the level of support from the tribal hohos present, he said half expressed full support for lifting the Act, while the other half sought more time for internal discussions.
He reiterated that the purpose of Monday’s meeting was to update the tribal hohos on the concerns that CSOs had raised since 2023, not to seek immediate endorsement.
Responding to the Nagaland Baptist Church Council’s (NBCC) November 18 statement opposing the lifting of the NLTP Act, Zakiesato said the CSOs respect the Church’s position but must address the ongoing ground realities. Even with decades of enforcement and church pressure, the situation remains unchanged, he added. He also expressed willingness to future discussions with Church leadership.
NCD president G.K. Rengma said the series of consultations with tribal hohos and organisations will continue. While five hohos could not attend Monday’s consultation, he said they had responded positively.
Rengma asserted that the call to lift the NLTP Act was not for the benefit of any organisation but stems from the realities faced by the people of Dimapur.
Rengma said that prevalence of illegal liquor outlets and bootlegging across the district undermined the very purpose of prohibition.
NCD president has, therefore, appealed to the people and all organisations in Dimapur to extend cooperation and work collectively toward meaningful change in the district.