Baptist Pastors Fellowship of Mon Town (BPFMT) representing 12 churches expressed deep concern over the recent discussion in the fifth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) about partially lifting the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989.
Maintaining that the Act had been a key part of the state’s moral and social framework, and aimed at addressing alcohol-related issues, BPFMT president pastor Kaipha Konyak in a press release said he found the proposed relaxation of the law troubling as it undermined years of efforts to combat social problems like domestic violence and addiction. He asserted that it also contradicted Christian values that called for sobriety and righteousness.
He mentioned that he was disheartened by the dismissal of the church’s appeal and the lack of consideration for religious leaders’ voices. Contending that this reflected a spiritual peril when divine guidance was ignored, he cautioned that revisiting the NLTP Act without thorough examination could worsen social issues.
Konyak urged the government to reconsider and enforce the NLTP Act with renewed strictness, while declaring support the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) in opposing the partial lifting of the Act, and maintaining the health and sanctity of the community.
He insisted that financial challenges should not justify compromising the NLTP Act, stressing that it was essential to address underlying issues without sacrificing spiritual values for material gain. He declared that BPFMT remained committed to the NLTP Act’s principles, praying that the leaders would seek God’s guidance to act in the best interests of the people.