Call for stronger enforcement and reforms
Naga ethnic Baptist churches in Dimapur have strongly rejected any move to lift or dilute the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, asserting that the current alcohol-related crisis stems from implementation failures rather than flaws in the law itself.
In a strongly worded joint statement, the signatory churches stressed that the devastating socio-economic, public health, and moral consequences of alcohol abuse did not justify repealing or compromising the prohibition law.
They attributed the breakdown to weak enforcement, lack of political will, systemic corruption across levels, and entrenched syndicate networks allegedly operating under the cover of some Naga national groups.
The Church firmly rejected arguments that moral and ethical values should be sacrificed to compensate for administrative and governance lapses. They maintained that governmental failures must be addressed through reform and accountability, not by moral retreat or legalisation of liquor.
Upholding its divine mandate to promote righteousness, social responsibility, and holistic well-being, the Church proposed the several measures toward realizing the true intent and spirit of the NLTP Act.
1) Setting up of state prohibitory council and district prohibitory committees as provided under Chapter III, Rules 25–27 of the Act, which have never been formed.
2) Dismantling of all syndicate and covert liquor networks, warning that legalising licensed wine/liquor stores would only legitimise and strengthen existing syndicates rather than weaken them.
3) Empowerment of Nagaland Excise Department with clear, adequate, and enforceable seizure powers, free from fear, favour, or interference.
4) Provision of sufficient manpower, logistics, and budgetary support to enable sustained and effective enforcement.
5) Strict, impartial, and exemplary punishment for violators as well as corrupt officials who betray public trust.
6) Amendment of NLTP Act by removing Rule No. 16 in its entirety to eliminate legal ambiguities and close loopholes that undermine the law’s effectiveness.
The Church affirmed that Nagaland did not need “legalised, quality, and better liquor” or regulated wine stores. Instead, the Church asserted that society urgently required faithful implementation of the existing Act, stronger moral leadership, transparent governance, and spiritual renewal.
Reaffirming that the entire Naga-inhabited area must remain “a Dry State” as per Chapter 2, Rule 3 of the NLTP Act, the Church prayed for stringent and faithful enforcement by the state government.
The Church said it was ready to partner with the government and civil society—not in surrender of moral responsibility, but in prayerful solidarity and prophetic commitment toward restoration, reform, and renewal of the land.
The statement was jointly signed by Dimapur Area Ao Baptist Arogo Pastors’ Fellowship president Rev. Jongpong Imsong, Dimapur Lotha Baptist Church pastor Rev. Dr. Yanbemo, Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church counsellor Dr. Elito G. Zhimo, Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Dimapur pastor Rev. M.Tonglong (on behalf of ENPO Churches), Western Chakhesang Baptist Church Council Chairman Kuhusheyi Chotso, Pochury Baptist Church Dimapur pastor Chuwarie Nyuwi, CBCC joint recorder Keneileto Sophie, Dimapur Rengma Baptist Church pastor Rev. Tenga Seb, Poumai Baptist Church Dimapur Kuda B pastor L David, Pochury Baptist Church Toulazouma pastor Chuwatho, Kuki Baptist Church Dimapur pastor Lalboi Singsit and Zeliang Baptist Church pastor Gaibuanlung Gonmei.