To
The Chief Minister,
Government of Nagaland.
Subject: Memorandum on the NLTP Act, 1989 – Concerning Current Demands for Relaxation and the Need for Full Implementation
Honourable Sir,
With utmost respect, the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) submits this memorandum to convey our considered position regarding the ongoing proposals from certain NGOs and civil societies seeking relaxation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, particularly in Dimapur district. We respectfully place our concerns and recommendations before your esteemed office for your kind and urgent consideration.
It may be recalled that the NLTP Act, 1989 was enacted following the earnest appeals of the churches and civil society organisations, led prominently by the NBCC, after witnessing the grave social, moral, health, and economic harms caused by unrestricted access to alcohol. The Act emerged as a legislative expression of the people’s collective will to safeguard future generations from addiction, family breakdown, and social decay. By choosing to uphold this Act, Nagaland became a moral and social example both within India and beyond. It is important to underscore that the intention of the Act has always been clear: to protect society, not to punish or suppress it.
It has been argued that the NLTP Act has “failed” and must therefore be relaxed or repealed. ABAM respectfully submits that such a conclusion is both factually unsound and morally untenable. The Act itself cannot be deemed a failure for the following reasons:
- The Act has never been implemented in its full spirit: The legislation explicitly mandates the establishment of a “Commission” to guide, monitor and ensure systematic implementation. However, since the enactment of the NLTP Act, this statutory Commission has never been constituted.
- Adequate enforcement mechanisms were never put in place: Essential manpower, monitoring structures and operational frameworks were not activated, resulting in significant loopholes, weak vigilance and the unchecked growth of illegal trade.
- A law that has not been operationalised cannot be evaluated: It is unreasonable to judge the Act as a “failure” when it was never given the opportunity to function as intended. Without implementation, no law can be fairly or accurately assessed in terms of outcomes.
Therefore, the challenges witnessed today are not failures of the NLTP Act itself, but direct consequences of prolonged non-implementation and the absence of sustained governmental commitment to operationalise the provisions already enacted by the legislature.
ABAM also expresses its deep concern over the recent and mounting pressure from certain civil society groups, particularly the Dimapur Naga Council (DNC) and allied organisations, who have urged the Government to lift the NLTP Act specifically in Dimapur district. These submissions attempt to depict the prohibition policy as outdated and ineffective – a characterisation we believe does not reflect the true situation nor the original intent of the Act.
ABAM strongly opposes such proposals, as they are contrary to the moral, social and long-term welfare of our people. We consider such representations misguided and detrimental to the wellbeing of families, youth and future generations. Any move to lift the ban in Dimapur would effectively dismantle the prohibition framework across the State and invite severe social consequences.
ABAM is deeply concerned by the recent calls in print media and public forums advocating for the relaxation of the NLTP Act in Dimapur district. Relaxation in Dimapur, the commercial hub and gateway of Nagaland, will inevitably result in:
• Rapid influx of alcohol into all districts of Nagaland;
• Normalise alcohol consumption across communities;
• Accelerate addiction rates among the youth;
• Encourage the proliferation of illegal suppliers;
• Lead to increased domestic conflicts, accidents, and severe health-related harms;
• Undermine decades of spiritual, social and community-driven efforts toward building a healthy and responsible society.
Financial or commercial arguments, whether framed as revenue generation, business opportunity, tourism or employment, can never justify placing temporary economic interests above the long-term wellbeing of people, families and children, especially when the social costs of addiction, domestic violence, accidents, school dropouts and family breakdown far outweigh any projected gain.
The visible presence of liquor in Dimapur and other districts is sometimes misconstrued as a reflection of the NLTP Act’s “failure.” We respectfully submit that, rather than indicating a weakness in the legislation, this situation underscores the urgent need for:
• Strengthening the capacities of enforcement agencies,
• Enhancing coordination between Police, Excise, and district administration,
• Identifying and dismantling illegal supply networks,
• Ensuring that enforcement measures are consistent, firm, and non-negotiable.
The government machinery must fully exercise the authority vested in the NLTP Act, rather than considering its weakening or withdrawal. In light of this, ABAM respectfully submits the following recommendations: - Constitute the NLTP Act Commission Immediately:
• As mandated by the Act, the Commission is vital for policy execution, monitoring, and coordinated enforcement. Its immediate formation is therefore the foremost requirement. - Strengthen Legislative and Enforcement Provisions:
• Amend loopholes that currently weaken the Act.
• Reclassify offences as non-compoundable to deter repeat violations.
• Introduce strict penalties for organized and commercial-scale violators. - Empower and Resource the Excise Department:
• Increase manpower, vehicles, logistics and specialised training.
• Establish dedicated anti-illicit-liquor task forces.
• Conduct routine inspections and continuous surveillance. - Statewide Border and Entry-Point Monitoring:
• Closely monitor Dimapur and other interstate borders.
• Strengthen intelligence networks to detect and prevent illegal supply. - Community Awareness and Rehabilitation Initiatives:
• Encourage churches, civil society organizations, and local communities to continue prevention campaigns.
• Expand rehabilitation services for individuals and families affected by alcoholism. - Reject Any Proposal of Relaxation in Dimapur District:
• Any partial relaxation will inevitably lead to uncontrolled access across Nagaland, undermining the objectives of the NLTP Act.
Honourable Sir, in faithful responsibility towards the wellbeing of our society, we humbly urge your esteemed office to: - Fully implement the NLTP Act as originally intended;
- Constitute the NLTP Commission without delay;
- Strengthen enforcement rather than dilute the law.
ABAM assures its continued cooperation through awareness programmes, moral guidance, youth engagement, and community support. We pray that God grants your office wisdom and discernment as you lead Nagaland towards a safer, healthier, and morally upright future.
Sincerely,
Rev. Temsu Jamir,
Ao Baptist Arogo
Mungdang
Impur, Mokokchung.