KONYAK REVERENDS WARN OF FAST UNTO DEATH IF NLTP REVIEWED IN MON
The Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjüm (KBBB) ordained ministers (Reverends) and Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) have expressed grave concern over the state government’s proposal to partially lift the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989.
In a letter addressed to all the Konyak legislators, 26 ordained ministers warned that if the Act is revisited, they may have no choice but to consider “fast unto death” once again. They reaffirmed the commitment of Konyak believers to fight to keep the NLTP Act active in Mon district, regardless of any changes in other parts of Nagaland.
The ministers underscored the historical significance of the Act, particularly highlighting Mon district’s pivotal role in its inception. KBBB ministers emphasized that the NLTP Act was the result of extensive prayers, fasting, discussions, and personal commitments among Konyak churches and civil societies.
This collective effort led to Mon district being declared ‘dry’ on October 1, 1988.
“We are deeply anguished today as we foresee a potential decline in our social and spiritual spheres. As living witnesses to the social menace that once plagued Mon district due to the open sale of liquor, we recall the untold misery it brought, devastating countless individuals and families,” they asserted. KBBB declared its unwavering commitment to “fight tooth and nail” to keep the NLTP Act active in Mon district, even if the Act is partially lifted in other parts of Nagaland.
In their appeal, KBBB issued pointers for the Konyak legislators to deliberate on the issue during the forthcoming Assembly session. KBBB urged the Konyak legislators to advocate for stricter law enforcement to curb the illegal entry of liquor into the state rather than yielding to pressure from certain societal sections.
Address the loopholes in the Excise department, which have allowed the unchecked inflow of liquor, instead of lifting the Act. KBBB reminded that while some skeptics may argue in favor of lifting the Act by presenting hypothetical benefits such as increased revenue generation and improved quality of liquor, these considerations overlook the harsh realities the community has already experienced.
KBBB also pointed out that NLTP Act was not just a legal agreement but a covenant made between God and churches under Nagaland Baptist Church Council, warning against breaking this “covenant of God”.
It reminded the elected members that the Konyaks’ strength and reputation have remained unshaken through the ages.
KBBB, as spiritual guardian for the community, warned that it would call upon all Konyak Christians in a mass movement if necessary, to protect the covenant made with God.
The ordained ministers emphasized the importance of the covenant made with God, and fervently requested the Konyak legislators “not to be on board with this idea of lifting the NLTP Act, be it partial or fully.”
“We solemnly swear to reaffirm our commitment to keep the NLTP Act blanketed in Mon district at all cost. We only pray that God’s wisdom prevails in the end,” the ministers vowed.
The statement was joint signed by Rev. Dr. Pongshing, Rev. Y. Chingang, Rev. T.W. Yamyap, Rev. J. Tenwang, Rev. Mungnyei, Rev. N. Sheipa, Rev. S. Purba, Rev. Methna, Rev. S. Yinthao, Rev. T. Wano, Rev. M. Tonlong, Rev. Y. Nahyuh, Rev. A.M. Sheipa, Rev. W. Tapha, Rev. S. Yoko, Rev. R. Tahlem, Rev. T. Honlong, Rev. E. Yeangphong, Rev. L. Angwan, Rev. P. Henshak, Rev. Langkhuh, Rev. C. Nahngom, Rev. L. Methjin, Rev. R. Phowang, Rev. M. Ashok, Rev. M. Chemyuh, Rev. L. Metjen, Rev. N. Gotok, Rev. V. Minlei, Rev. Hamshen, Rev. L. Jakmeth, Rev. A. Peihwang Wangsa, Rev. M. Nahngom, Rev. Dr. A.M. Poangba, Rev. Moba, Rev. Thrangmo and Rev. Nockpho.