Nagaland: DCCI backs lifting of NLTP Act in Dimapur district

Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industries (DCCI) has expressed support for lifting the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989 in Dimapur district.
In a press release, DCCI expressed belief that any policy—especially one with long-standing implications such as the NLTP Act—must be reviewed through practical experience, ground realities, and public welfare considerations.
The chamber contended that after more than three decades of enforcement, it was evident that prohibition has not achieved its intended objectives.
Instead, DCCI said it has encouraged illegal trade, strengthened underground syndicates, caused loss of legitimate revenue, and burdened enforcement agencies while honest traders and law-abiding citizens continue to suffer.
Further, DCCI said that prohibition had been enforced in Nagaland for over 36 years, but the “lived reality” on the ground was undeniable. It said illegal liquor trade was rampant, liquor syndicates have grown powerful, enforcement agencies were overburdened, and the objectives claimed by prohibition proponents have not been achieved. The chamber maintained that ignoring those facts and continuing to romanticize failure was neither responsible nor honest.
Asserting it respected religious sentiments and moral viewpoints, the DCCI, however, said that policy decisions must be realistic, inclusive, and evidence-based.
DCCI said Dimapur, a commercial hub with diverse communities, and governance, must balance moral values with economic sustainability, public order, and transparency. The chamber reminded the public that Dimapur was not governed by personal opinions or self-appointed authorities, but by constitutional processes, elected governments, and statutory bodies.
It argued that no individuals had the right to dictate policy outcomes through intimidation, emotional pressure, or selective religious interpretation.
Reiterating its respect for faith, values, and social concerns, DCCI, however, said faith cannot be used as a shield to silence debate, nor can morality be imposed without accountability to real-world consequences.
It stated that the economic losses, rise of criminal networks, and erosion of public trust caused under prohibition were facts—not assumptions.
DCCI reiterated that its position was not in favour of lawlessness, but in favour of reform, regulation, and responsible governance for the greater interest of Dimapur and Nagaland.
The chamber reaffirmed commitment to cooperating with the government and all stakeholders to ensure peace, economic growth, and social harmony.
The chamber also clarified that its institution stood firmly for lawful governance, economic stability, and social responsibility.