Dimapur-based CSOs renew call to lift NLTP Act in Dimapur

Dimapur-based civil society organizations (CSOs) have renewed their call on the state government to lift the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act in Dimapur which they claim, has not been effective mainly as the district was flooded with liquor from nearby Assam. The resolution was collectively adopted at a crucial joint meeting convened by Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) in the Conference Hall of NCD, Nyamo Lotha Road here on Tuesday.
Addressing the media after the meeting, NCD president G.K. Rengma disclosed that the meeting was held to discuss the NLTP Act, which, despite being in place for decades, has not been effective. He informed that the meeting, attended by all CSOs of Dimapur, unanimously agreed to appeal to the government to lift the NLTP Act in Dimapur.
Rengma reminded that representation on the issue of NLTP Act had been submitted to the government including the then governor in 2023 and was also discussed during the Assembly session.
He informed that Tuesday’s meeting was specifically convened to deliberate on lifting the Act in Dimapur which he said, has shown no worthwhile achievement in Nagaland.
Pointing to Dimapur district, Rengma claimed that there were bootleggers everywhere adding there were 97 recognized colonies where liquor was sold and purchased. Rengma said if it is banned then it ought not to be available at all.
He however, clarified that CSOs were neither against the church nor were they supporting the government. “Our focus is not on the revenue of the state or employment generation, but on the interest of the young generation,” Rengma stated.
He has therefore, appealed to the state government to seriously look into the matter.
Rengma also said that in Dimapur, from morning to evening, restaurants across the 23 wards operate openly, selling liquor day and night. “In the meeting, we also discussed continuing to make an appeal to the state government on this,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) president Zasivikho Zakiesato, who is also the convener of the committee for lifting NLTP Act 1989 in Dimapur, said that “as Christians, we need to be sincere.” He explained that DUCCF was entrusted with the responsibility in 2023 by the NCD to research and handle the issue since it operates at the grassroots level.
Zakiesato recalled that during 2024, the representation on the Act was discussed in the Assembly session. He referred to chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s statement that “this(NLTP Act) needs broader elaboration and discussion among sections of civil societies.”
Zakiesato said the meeting decided that affiliate CSOs under NCD would act as co-conveners, while he would lead as the convenor. The meeting also finalized a roadmap to re-approach the state government on the matter.
Zakiesato also noted that after 36 years, drug abuse has increased and alleged that NLTP Act was indirectly contributing to the issue. He lamented that once drug was consumed, it became difficult to rehabilitate and change. He said the younger generation and society were being damaged by drugs.
He lauded the police for their efforts in the ‘War on Drugs’ and called for more focus on drug peddlers.
Further the DUCCF president said that the NLTP issue was also a by-product of the larger drug addiction problem. “Today’s discussion is not about confrontation but about collaboration. Our views and representations will be shared with other sections of society,” he stated.
He said that leaders of East Dimapur would also be consulted soon, adding that more discussions and follow-ups would be carried out.
Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) general secretary Michael Kath stressed the importance of holding such meetings to make Dimapur a better place to live in and for taking the Naga society forward. He said with changing times, it was also time to review the NLTP Act, especially in a place like Dimapur where alcohol was readily available.
“Dimapur shares a border with Assam, reducing the Act meaningless. Many students are affected by alcohol and drugs, which in turn harms their families, friends, and society,” Kath said.
He expressed confidence that under the leadership of the convenor, a positive result would be achieved.
Asked about the state government’s response to the 2023 representation, He said that no formal response was received, though the representation was discussed during the winter session.
Regarding the outcome of the meeting, he clarified that while the final decision rests with the government, the CSOs would continue to act as a pressure group, holding extensive consultations and possibly submitting fresh representations.
On whether CSOs would consult the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) on the issue, Zakiesato said it was rather the moral responsibility of the church over the issue, adding that the CSOs were concentrating only on the issue of lifting the Act, keeping in mind the ground reality.
On whether the same representation would be submitted again, he said that depending on the expansion of the current body structure, the representation could be reframed with more inputs if required.
On why was the focus only on Dimapur, Zakiesato stated that since Dimapur borders Assam, maintaining prohibition for 36 years with porous borders “does not make sense.”
He said the utmost concern was therefore to submit a detailed representation and take a decision accordingly.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), Gaon Bura Union Dimapur Sadar, Dimapur District Gaon Bura Association, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industries (DCCI), Business Association of Nagas (BAN), Dimapur District Citizens Forum (DDCF), Eastern Naga Women Organization Dimapur (ENWOD), and Dimapur Eastern Naga Students’ Union (DENSU).