Urges govt to take stronger action on liquor trade
DIMAPUR, SEP 16 (NPN): Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the deaths of nine people in Tuensang district following the consumption of suspected spurious liquor, and urged the state government to hold all those responsible accountable under the law.
In a press release, NBCC president Rev. Achu Chang, general secretary Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener and secretary for social concerns Dr. Villo Naleo said the deaths were a “painful reminder” of the vulnerability of human life when alcohol and illicit substances were allowed to take a destructive course in society.
Acknowledging that the investigation was underway and that facts surrounding the incident had yet to be fully established, NBCC said the tragedy should not be allowed to pass as another unfortunate incident. It said the deaths should compel the government and society to examine how illegal liquor reached communities and whether known dangers had been tolerated or overlooked.
NBCC said the victims were not merely statistics but represented families, hopes and “God-given lives” that could never be restored. It expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and all those affected by the tragedy.
The council urged the state government to strengthen enforcement against illegal liquor sales and ensure that the protective intent of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, was not weakened in practice.
NBCC also called for a “careful and honest relook” at the NLTP Act in terms of its purpose, implementation and continuing relevance to the moral and social well-being of Nagaland.
It said whether the Act was retained, amended or repealed, the Church’s ministry and “prophetic responsibility” would remain unchanged. The council said alcohol abuse was not merely an individual problem but could develop into a family crisis, public health concern, social disorder and threat to human life. It said the Tuensang deaths should prompt society to reconsider the normalisation of alcohol-related harm rather than waiting for tragedies to occur before responding.
NBCC maintained that the Church had for decades worked with people struggling with alcoholism, supported families affected by alcohol abuse and advocated sobriety, responsibility and righteousness.
The council said it would continue doing so regardless of whether its position was popular.
“The Church is called not merely to echo the prevailing opinion, but to speak truth to society with courage, humility, and love,” the council said, adding that it would speak where there was brokenness, warn where there was danger and stand with those suffering.
At the same time, NBCC said it recognised the government’s constitutional responsibility and remained committed to working constructively with the authorities. It said the Church would cooperate with the government in strengthening implementation of the NLTP Act, addressing enforcement gaps and protecting communities from the social consequences of alcohol abuse.
NBCC, however, cautioned that such cooperation should not be mistaken for a compromise of its convictions.
The council appealed to the state government and excise department to pursue the Tuensang case with urgency, diligence and impartiality and bring those responsible to justice. It said anyone found to have been involved, including bootleggers, suppliers, distributors or members of illicit networks, should face stringent legal action.
The council also called for action against illegal manufacture and distribution, negligence and collusion, saying there should be no exploitation of vulnerable people for profit.