Northeast Desk, 2nd September: The Nagaland Baptist Pastors Union (NBPU) has reiterated its steadfast support for the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989, emphasizing its origins as a collective achievement of both the church and civil society organizations. In a recent press release, NBPU President Imnatoshi Longkumer and General Secretary Wongtokiu expressed the union’s firm stance on maintaining the state’s prohibition laws, despite the challenges faced in enforcing the Act.
The NBPU acknowledged the difficulties in the Act’s enforcement but urged against attributing blame solely to any one party, whether it be the government, law enforcement, or the church. They emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, calling for unity among the government, church, and civil society to address liquor-related issues rather than adopting a divisive stance.
The union warned that any move to lift or partially relax the NLTP Act would likely lead to serious social problems, including an increase in alcohol-related issues that could negatively impact various aspects of daily life. They argued that the potential revenue from legalizing liquor sales would not justify the adverse societal consequences.
In contrast, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has voiced strong opposition to the state government’s consideration of revisiting the NLTP Act. The NPCC, in a separate statement, underscored that the Act was enacted in response to strong public sentiment in 1989 under a Congress government. They urged the current state government to conduct thorough consultations with all stakeholders before making any decisions regarding changes to the Act.
As the debate over the NLTP Act continues, both the NBPU and NPCC have made it clear that any shift in policy must be carefully considered, taking into account the potential social impact on the people of Nagaland.
Read More: Suspected Militants Torch Homes in Manipur’s Imphal West, Escalating Tensions