Kohima: As the Nagaland government revealed its plans revisits the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act (NLTP) of 1989, Baptist church leaders across the state have raised concerns over the potential consequences of lifting the prohibition.
In an open letter, several church leaders have urged the government to reconsider its stance, emphasising the moral and spiritual implications that could arise from such a decision.
The letter, signed by various church leaders of the Baptist Church, highlighted the dangers of attempting to move past a historical context that current generations did not live through. They argued that instead of seeking to overcome past challenges by compromising on moral values, the focus should be on building a better society through collective responsibility and cooperation.
The leaders stressed that raising revenue from elements that undermine the fabric of society—such as alcohol—would not contribute to the well-being of the people but rather erode the state’s moral foundation.
The church leaders also criticised the recent cabinet decision to dismiss the concerns and voices of the church regarding the NLTP Act. They warned that to “leave God” from the concept of right and wrong introduces spiritual dangers that could destabilise society. Revisiting the Act without thorough consideration of the consequences could lead to greater problems, they cautioned.
“Nagaland is a ‘revenue-starved’ state. However, the NLTP Act shouldn’t be used as a scapegoat for that. The state can consider other options, no doubt about it. It is a farce to all of us as a Christian majority state that we would choose to hold the NLTP Act responsible for our failure to advance as a state. The thing that has killed us and keeps killing our people is always considered the biggest fat cow. We need to examine the reasons behind the NLTP’s failure more closely,” the church leaders said.
They argued that Nagaland is not a theocratic state. As a Christian-majority state, they said that this should be reflected in its governance. The leaders urged the government to avoid comparisons with other states and instead make decisions that honour the religious beliefs and cultural values of the people of Nagaland.
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The church leaders expressed their willingness to support the government in exploring other revenue-generating options that do not compromise the state’s ethical standards. They emphasised the importance of seeking and adhering to God’s values at all levels of decision-making, rather than simply following societal changes.
The church leaders called for a day of collective prayer on Sunday, urging believers across the state to pray for the leaders who govern on their behalf. They hoped that by listening to “His still small voice,” the government will make decisions that uphold the moral and spiritual integrity of Nagaland.
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