Northeast Desk, 19th July: Rev. Zelhou Kehyo, General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), has reaffirmed the church’s stance on the Nagaland Total Prohibition Act (NLTP Act), emphasizing its commitment to addressing societal issues and promoting good governance.
Speaking on the NLTP Act, enacted in 1989, Rev. Kehyo highlighted the church’s ethical considerations and concerns about the adverse effects of alcoholism. “Our support for the NLTP Act is rooted in its potential to mitigate social problems such as relationship breakdowns and financial instability caused by alcohol abuse,” he explained.
Addressing criticisms about the Act’s effectiveness, Rev. Kehyo expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging that while the Act has faced challenges, it has made some progress in rural areas. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to denounce alcohol as evil and work towards effective implementation.
Rev. Kehyo also clarified that the Act is not entirely prohibitive, allowing for medical exemptions and licensed production, but illegal activities have hindered its success.
In addition to the NLTP Act, Rev. Kehyo discussed the NBCC’s Clean Election Movement (CEM), which aims to combat corruption and promote ethical practices in governance. “The CEM is not just about elections; it addresses corruption and advocates for ethical practices in governance,” he said.
Despite challenges, the NBCC remains committed to improving societal norms and advocating for effective governance. “We must view each other positively and work together to overcome our collective challenges,” Rev. Kehyo emphasized.
The NBCC’s stance on the NLTP Act and its commitment to the Clean Election Movement reaffirm the church’s dedication to promoting a better society and governance in Nagaland.
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