CSOs propose 1-year trial of regulated sales
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 6 (NPN): Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and its NLTP Act 1989 repeal committee have renewed their demand for lifting the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act in Dimapur, submitting a fresh representation to the deputy commissioner on Tuesday.
The representation, addressed to the chief minister and senior government officials, was submitted through the DC after the civil society organisations (CSOs) said repeated representations to the state government had failed to produce any action.
Speaking to reporters after the submission, NCD president GK Rengma said the NLTP Act, enacted in 1989, had completed 37 years but liquor remained widely available in Dimapur despite the prohibition.
He recalled that Dimapur CSOs had submitted a memorandum to the state government and governor on November 20, 2023, under the aegis of NCD, with the Dimapur United Colony Council Federation (DUCCF) entrusted with submitting it. The issue was subsequently discussed in the state assembly in August 2024, but no action followed, he said.
Rengma said the latest representation followed consultations with various CSOs since January, after which they decided to seek lifting of the Act specifically in Dimapur.
According to an NCD vigilance committee survey, more than 2,000 liquor outlets had been identified in and around Dimapur, covering areas from Chümoukedima Gate 2, New Field Gate and Manja Gate to Purana Bazar, Dhansiri River, Super Market, Nagarjan, Burma Camp, New Market and Industrial Estate. It said the figure excluded restaurants.
CSO representatives claimed that liquor was being sold illegally around the clock, including in residential areas, and argued that prohibition had failed to prevent its availability. They also cited deaths allegedly linked to consumption of spurious liquor and said regulation could provide access to quality liquor while allowing the government to exercise greater control over its sale.
As part of their proposal, the CSOs suggested a one-year trial of regulated liquor sales in Dimapur. Under the proposed framework, shops would operate from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with designated dry days and other restrictions. They proposed that liquor not be sold to anyone below 23 years and that those aged 23 and above be permitted to purchase a maximum of two bottles, subject to Aadhaar-based verification at the point of sale.
NCD general secretary LK Peter Anal said the representation included census data and the proposed regulatory roadmap and had been forwarded to the chief minister, chief secretary, advisor and MLA for tribal affairs, commissioner and secretary, home, commissioner of excise and other concerned officials.
CSOs said they had also held discussions with the Dimapur Pastoral Fellowship and other church leaders. They maintained that while churches had responsibilities concerning prohibition, the government also had a responsibility to regulate the situation.
DC Dimapur Dr Tinojongshi Chang confirmed receipt of the representation and said it would be forwarded to the concerned higher authorities. He said any decision would be taken based on government policy considerations.
NCD said it had not set a deadline for a response. However, the council said the CSOs would meet and decide their future course of action if the latest representation did not result in a response or implementation.