Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland asserted that the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act should either be revoked in its current format or thoroughly amended for effective implementation.
ACAUT argued that the Act, as it stands, was a “complete mockery” of the intended prohibition and failed to address the realities on the ground. NLTP Act in its present form is simply not implementable and is the root cause of its utter failure, ACAUT stated.
ACAUT was of the viewe that issue of total liquor prohibition in Nagaland was a matter of significant concern, highlighting its social implications and impact on many lives. The organization emphasized the importance of voicing opinions on the matter, advocating for a pragmatic approach based on empirical evidence rather than delusional thinking and called for a critical evaluation whether the Act should be strengthened or repealed.
ACAUT asserted that the decision rests with the elected government, as the prohibition file was currently with the Cabinet. While pressure groups have the right to voice their opinions and disagreements, ACAUT said that government if the government decides to maintain the Act, it should provide clear reasoning and rationale for such decision, it said.
ACAUT said that the Act, in its 35 years, has encourage bootlegging, with corruption seeping through all levels, including law enforcement agencies. Criminals holding liquor licenses, often backed by various parallel authorities, have contributed to a mafia culture that undermines the moral fabric of society, it said.
It said that a simple investigation in Dimapur would reveal unregulated liquor shops disguised as water bottle outlets in every nook and corner of almost every colony and village, operated by goons and mafias.
With only 336 enforcement posts available and 40 vacancies, ACAUT contends that effective implementation of the NLTP Act is unrealistic. Furthermore, ACAUT called on church leaders to engage in discussions to address differing views on prohibition, urging the church to reflect on its role in shaping community values, adding that there should be more healthy public dialogues to establish a common path forward.
“Our younger generation should no longer be raised in an environment of moral dilemma where hypocrisy has been promoted as a virtue by looking the other way which NLTP has normalised in our Christian society,” ACAUT stated.