NBCC lauds AYO for exposing alleged liquor-smuggling nexus

DIMAPUR, JUN 5 (NPN): Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has appreciated Angami Youth Organisation’s (AYO) report regarding the interception of a truck carrying Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) near Jotsoma and the allegations of collusion between certain law enforcement personnel and smugglers.
In a statement, NBCC social concerns secretary Dr. Villo Naleo affirmed the courage of AYO, JYO and TYO volunteers in confronting illegal activity, stating that they acted at personal risk to protect public welfare.
NBCC said the allegations of a “nexus” between smugglers and law enforcement agencies were alarming and, if true, constituted not only a breach of law but also a betrayal of public trust. It stated that corruption harms the poor, undermines the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act and weakens the moral fabric of society.
The council called for a swift and transparent inquiry by competent authorities into AYO’s findings, protection for whistleblowers and youth volunteers against threats or retaliation, and due process in the matter. It said if the allegations were proven false, the truth must clear the names of those accused, and if proven true, those responsible must be proceeded against without shielding anyone.
Reiterating its support for NLTP Act, NBCC said the Act was enacted to protect Naga families, particularly the youth, from the social and economic harm caused by alcohol abuse. It stated that when enforcement fails due to collusion, the law loses credibility and the people suffer.
NBCC urged the Excise, Police and State government to review checkpoint procedures, strengthen oversight and close loopholes that allow large consignments to bypass frisking points.
The council thanked the youth for not remaining “mute spectators” and urged them to continue acting lawfully and in coordination with authorities. It also acknowledged law enforcement personnel serving with integrity and called upon them to root out those who bring disrepute to the uniform. Further, NBCC said the Excise department had been functioning “toothless” for a long time and requested it to conduct raids, particularly in Kohima town.
It also said Naga society was watching whether justice applied equally to the powerful and the powerless, and urged greater transparency and integrity in public life.
NBCC said the Church does not seek to police society but to call Nagaland back to truth, justice and righteousness. It expressed hope that the incident would become a turning point towards greater transparency and integrity in public life.