PBPF reaffirm full support for NLTP Act

Pochury Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (PBPF) has reiterated its strong support for the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989, describing it as the most workable option for a Christian-majority state like Nagaland.
In a press release, the PBPF maintained that lifting the NLTP Act would amount to moral, spiritual, and social surrender and failure, which would push the state backward. The fellowship urged the state government to implement the Act with full political will and sincerity instead of a half-hearted approach. It said that NLTP Act would always remain relevant and applicable in a Christian state like Nagaland, irrespective of changing lifestyles and modern influences.
PBPF said the harmful effects of alcohol were well known and need no debate. It stressed that while the Church provides rehabilitation, counselling, and prayer centres, the most effective solution was to address the root cause by strictly enforcing prohibition.
Praying for God’s wisdom upon the government and public leaders, the Pochury Baptist pastors appealed to the authorities to work towards building a better and healthier society.
On “Vande Mataram” mandate, the fellowship expressed strong displeasure and condemned the Central government’s “infamous and illegal” imposition of the national song Vande Mataram on citizens. PBPF stated that in a democratic and secular country like India, the government should respect all faiths and avoid hurting religious sentiments or pushing faith-based agendas.
The pastors also accused the Centre and its agencies of repeatedly attempting to marginalize and discriminate against the Christian community. The fellowship cited several instances, including closure of Christian mission aids, restrictions on Christian leaders, the declaration of Christmas Day as ‘Good Governance Day’, and scheduling of government events and official work on Sundays and other holy days. PBPF said the government that was elected by the people cannot dictate its own citizens but work for the people’s welfare. It appealed that India’s spirit of ‘Unity in Diversity’ should be allowed to flourish.