Advisor for labour, employment & skill development and excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, on Saturday maintained that lifting of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act would generate revenue for the state. Talking to media persons at the ongoing 2nd Nagaland International Trade Expo at the Senden Riju Purana Bazar here, Moatoshi stated that all the illegal joints selling spurious liquor would automatically vanish if the NLTP Act was lifted. “When it (NLTP Act) is lifted, there will be well established wine stores where we will have good quality wine or liquor.” He also said that neighbouring Lahorijan in Assam where Naga people were flocking now to buy liquor will also vanish.”
Advisor, visited the stalls, also commended the impressive efforts of Business Association of Nagas in promoting young entrepreneurs. He, however, said Nagas need to learn how to work hard. Stating that Nagas have a habit of starting a business and giving up halfway, Moatoshi said “we need to be consistent and resilient enough to continue the work.” He also advocated for hosting such expos regularly so as to provide platform to local entrepreneurs.
Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by Nagas, he emphasized the need to wisely utilize limited resources and gradually cultivate the habit of saving. Further, he stressed the importance of affordability and suggested local entrepreneurs to consider both the rich and poor when setting prices.