The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has voiced strong opposition to the reported consideration by the state government to partially relax the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989. The issue is expected to be deliberated during the upcoming session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on August 27.
A joint statement signed by 57 church leaders under NBCC expressed grave concerns over the potential consequences of revisiting the Act. According to the council, any attempt to alter NLTP Act without thoroughly understanding the long-term implications could lead to severe social and spiritual repercussions.
They asserted that revisiting the NLTP Act at this time was not the solution. Instead, they said that the focus should be on increasing transparency and accountability in governance.
They also expressed disappointment that the state cabinet had “completely dismissed the church’s appeal and leaders’ voices.” This, they argued, reflected a deeper spiritual danger—one that arises “when God is removed from our concept of good and wrong.”
NBCC declares Aug 25 as urgent day of prayer
DIMAPUR, AUG 24 (NPN): In response to the state government’s move to partially lift the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has declared August 25 (Sunday) as an urgent day of prayer.
In a statement, Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) vice president Rev. Dr. N. Paphino and Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) president Rev. Moses Murry expressed concern that removing the Prohibition Act would have severe consequences for the society and future generations.
NJCF and CFD have, therefore, appealed to all the churches and Christian organizations to join in prayer, aligning with the NBCC’s declaration. The two Church bodies prayed that the government would not make any decisions that could harm the future generations. “Let us come together in unity and prayer, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom for our leaders,” NJCF and CFD stated.
CBCC for reinforcement of NLTP Act, not repeal
DIMAPUR, AUG 24 (NPN): The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) has voiced strong concerns over the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, describing it as a law that has been allowed to deteriorate, threatening to destroy the fabric of society.
CBCC emphasized that the failure to effectively implement the Act was not due to the legislation itself but rather the lackluster attitude of the authorities responsible for its enforcement.
In a statement, CBCC highlighted that an Act, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot succeed without proper implementation mechanisms.
They pointed out that the NLTP Act’s failure is not a reflection of sincere efforts but rather the result of administrative neglect. CBCC criticized the authorities for not developing adequate systems to enforce the Act, noting that licenses for shops selling liquor are issued by the administration, and the transportation of illegal alcohol into the state is an open secret.
“Authorities who are responsible for checking the flow of prohibited liquors into our State are passive and tight-lipped,” the CBCC stated, stressing that the blame for the failure of the Act cannot be placed on any one entity but should be shared collectively. The council urged the community to stand together to reinforce the Act rather than consider its repeal, warning that lifting the prohibition would signal a defeat for the state.
CBCC said that Nagaland, being a predominantly Christian state, holds a clear stance on the NLTP Act.
The council emphasized that the church’s position represents the voice of the vast majority of the state’s citizens, and it would be ironic for a democratic government to ignore the voice of the mass majority in favor of a small section of the society.
CBCC also expressed skepticism about the idea of partially lifting the Act, arguing that it would be impossible to regulate something that cannot be controlled even when the Act is in force. They pointed out that other less challenging issues, such as Inner Line Permit (ILP) enforcement, power theft, and commodity pricing, are already difficult to regulate, making it highly unlikely that a partially lifted NLTP Act could be effectively managed. In conclusion, CBCC made a sincere appeal to the state government “not to ignore the voice of the Church to which we all belong.”