Dimapur CSOs firm on NLTP repeal

A final consultative meeting on the proposed repeal of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989 in Dimapur was held on March 23 at the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) office conference hall.
The meeting, convened by the NLTP Act Repeal Committee under the aegis of NCD, was attended by representatives and office bearers of various civil society organisations (CSOs), including Dimapur Urban Colony Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, GB Union Dimapur Sadar, Dimapur District GB Association, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Business Association of Nagas, Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum, East Dimapur Area Village Council Chairmen Forum, East Dimapur Tribal Council and East Dimapur Youth Organisation (EDYO), among others.
The meeting was jointly chaired by DUCCF president and NLTP Act Repeal Committee convener Zasivikho Zakiesato and NCD president G.K. Rengma.
Addressing the gathering, Zakiesato highlighted the objective of the meeting, stating that it was convened to deliberate on the issue and adopt a unified stand before submitting a fresh representation to the state government on repealing or lifting the NLTP Act in Dimapur.
Rengma, in his address, spoke on the ground realities in Dimapur, stating that despite the prohibition law, liquor remained easily accessible, often in adulterated forms.
He also pointed to the proximity of Katkhati-Lahorijan areas along the Assam border, where liquor is freely available, rendering the Act ineffective in Dimapur.
During the meeting, representatives of various CSOs were given the opportunity to express their views on the ongoing movement to repeal or lift the Act in Dimapur. Following detailed deliberations, the house adopted several resolutions unanimously.
The meeting resolved that the movement for repeal or lifting of the NLTP Act in Dimapur would continue until partial or complete repeal was achieved. It also decided to submit a second representation to the Government of Nagaland, endorsed by all Dimapur-based CSOs, at the earliest.
Further, it was resolved that all minutes, resolutions and opinions gathered from previous consultative meetings with CSOs, tribal hohos, colony councils and villages, including the final meeting, would be annexed to the representation to reflect the collective stand of Dimapur stakeholders.
The meeting concluded with the decision to place a consolidated representation before the government, highlighting the position of Dimapur-based organisations on the issue.
Later, talking to Nagaland Post, Zakiesato said that the meeting was “very constructive”, with all members in attendance and expressing agreement with the contents of the presentation prepared for the government. He informed that this would be the final representation of the committee.
However, no memorandum was submitted to the government on the day of the meeting. Zakiesato said the representation would be formally handed over to the chief minister at a later stage, after which it would be made public.
He expressed confidence that the government would take into account the views of the public, adding that another meeting could be convened if necessary.
Zakiesato also made a specific appeal to the Church, stating that while it may not endorse lifting prohibition, it should allow the government to take a decision in the best interest of the people.
The committee is expected to submit its representation to the chief minister soon, following which further steps may be decided.