North East Artist Network (NEAN) in collaboration with Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) organised first NLTP day to commemorate 32nd Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act since its introduction in the state. The programme was observed on the theme, “understanding and empowering alcoholic community” here Monday, at Don Bosco IDL hall.
In his opening remark, NEAN chief functionary Toshiba Jamir said that ever since NLTP Act was introduced in the year 1989, its enforcement for the last 31 years had only been “partially successful.” He said that it was neither observed in Toto nor had been able to steam the flow of liquor in the state. In this regard, he shared that it had only given rise to increment of illicit liquor, brewed and bottled spuriously by bootleggers making a tidy profit by flooding the state and making it available in every nook and corner of the state. He suggested for a review on whether the Act had been effective in controlling liquor related health issues and other social problems associated with alcoholism in the last three decades since it was enacted.
He further stated that the increasing number of alcohol victims in the state indicated low level of awareness and understanding of NLTP Act. Comparing Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1995 and Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1989, Dimapur Bar Association (DBA) president, Imti Imsong said that Mizoram state was far better in implementing the act compared to Nagaland state.
He said that the reason was powerful churches and social organisation that took active part in helping the concerned department in controlling the flow of alcohol in the state. Speaking on raids conducted by various public organisations, unions, associations and other fronts at shops and joints dealing in illegal businesses especially IMFL, Imsong said that NGOs acted like excise department in the state, which was not permitted by law.
Additional commissioner excise department, Kevisetuo Angami said that the department alone cannot implement the Act and urged all for active participation to fight against the menace. He assured that the department will extend support and contribute in every possible way they could in implementing towards the Act. Highlighting on the duties and functions of the department added that after the implementation of NLTP Act, the main function of excise department had shifted from revenue collection to enforcement of NLTP Act. He also said that the duty of the excise was to check the supply but could not stop the demand for liquor and called for public participation in curbing the problem. District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) senior specialist Dr. C. Kezoin explained about alcoholism from medical point of view and shared that the use of alcohol was increased during the pandemic.
The senior specialist asserted that alcohol consumption was emerging as a major public health problem in India and urged various policy makers and society to educate about the consequences of chronic alcohol through sensitisation programs and health education campaigns. Short speeches were also delivered by Christian forum reverend moses Murry, EAC Nukshi Matong and Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) member.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NWHD president Sungsabeni Jamio and invocation prayer was proposed by DABA pastor Toshi.