Kohima: For over three decades, the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989 has rendered the Christian-majority state officially “dry.” Yet, despite this strict prohibition, Nagaland has become known as one of the ‘weakest dry states’ in India. The ever-growing illegal liquor market is a glaring contradiction to the law’s intent—a reality that the state, the churches, and the people have often chosen to overlook.
Back to the 80s
The NLTP Act of 1989, which came into force in 1990, prohibits the possession, sale, consumption and manufacture of liquor in, and of import and export in Nagaland. The Act was enacted after the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and other civil societies advocated a ban on liquor.
The law, however, permits the use or consumption of liquor in mess and canteens of the Armed Forces, permits alcohol for medicinal, scientific and industrial purposes, and grants special permits to foreign delegates. Last year, when the state government allowed the sale of liquor to foreign delegates during the G20 business meetings, there were questions about the implementation of the NLTP Act.
The legislative debate: A tipping point?
Recently, the state government sparked widespread discussion by announcing its intent to deliberate on the liquor ban in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
During the session, MLA Nuklotoshi openly criticised the Act, labelling it a “total failure” that has increased problems for both the state and its people. The legislator pointed out Nagaland is among the weakest dry states.
“What is the purpose of an Act that only sounds good to the ears?” he questioned. Nuklotoshi’s words reflect a growing sentiment among many in Nagaland. The NLTP Act, instead of curbing alcohol consumption, has led to the proliferation of illegal bootlegging operations and an increase in the availability of spurious liquor.
He questioned the proliferation of illegal liquor shops across the state. “The number is uncountable—yet we have failed to see them. The police, the excise department, the Church, mothers, and national workers, and many did not see these liquor shops. Enough is enough. Who are we fooling? Let us not fool ourselves and God,” he said.
Nuklotoshi observed that the public health consequences of the prohibition are alarming. He revealed that as per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the incidence of alcohol consumption among people aged 15-49 in Nagaland remains one of the highest in the country, despite the dry law.
He stated that this troubling statistic is compounded by the fact that an estimated 90% of the alcohol consumed in the state is spurious. The consumption of such illicit liquor has led to numerous cases of poisoning, with devastating effects on individuals and families.
A wake-up call for the churches
Ever since the government shared its intent to discuss the Act in the state Assembly, the NBCC has maintained that revisiting and re-enacting the Act at this time is not the answer. “We must increase transparency and accountability in how we operate and govern the system. And, at this pace, revisiting the Act without seriously examining what is at stake may land us in much deeper problems,” the influential NBCC said.
The Konyak Baptist Church Association threatened to “fast unto death” if the Act was partially lifted in Mon district. The Kohima Baptist Pastors Fellowship (KBPF) also said that the state’s decision to lift the ban is an “outright violation of God’s precepts”.
To them, this is not the time to talk about lifting or relaxing but to strengthen the implementation of the Act.
Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu remarked that the Church had been “sleeping for a long time,” and the recent developments were a much-needed “wake-up call.” While he agreed that the Act had been a “total failure,” Nienu emphasised the importance of listening to public concerns. Despite the government’s initial plan to partially lift the ban, he suggested a “u-turn” approach, advocating for the strengthening of the Act’s implementation instead.
MLA Longon said that it would not be a wise move for the state to lift the ban and go against the wishes of the “majority citizens” of the state. This statement can be attributed to the fact that Nagaland is considered a Baptist-majority state.
Church must not interfere in state affairs
First-time MLA Achumbemo Kikon voiced his opinion that the Church should refrain from interfering in state affairs. Instead, he suggested that the Church should offer constructive suggestions rather than issuing threats to the state machinery. Kikon proposed that the Church should allow the state an opportunity to lift and regulate the liquor market.
He further recommended the formation of a committee comprising experts, including recovering addicts, to guide the government in deciding whether the liquor ban should be reviewed or revoked.
Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Kekhrie Yhome, also weighed in, expressing the view that alcohol in Nagaland is demonised—a stance he believes is a misguided approach. He emphasised the importance of educating the younger generation, urging the need to teach them that anarchy is unacceptable and that they must respect the rule of law.
A collective action
As Nagaland grapples with the enduring challenges of the NLTP Act, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called for unity and collective reasoning. He emphasised that rather than blaming one another, it is time for everyone to come together to address the problem decisively and work towards freeing society from the dangers of spurious and illicit liquor.
Rio acknowledged that the alcohol ban has led to several unintended and detrimental consequences, such as the rise of a black market, increased criminal activities like syndicate suppliers, and the proliferation of spurious and inferior quality liquor, among others. These issues, he noted, highlight the difficulties of enforcing such policies.
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He revealed that many organisations have written to the state government urging the need to regulate and control the liquor market. While the State Government can only regulate and restrict the sale and flow of liquor, he acknowledged that the government cannot outrightly prohibit individuals from drinking which is essentially a matter of personal choice and decision.
Rio emphasised that resolving this issue requires collective action and participation from every section of the community. He noted that state agencies like the Police and the Excise department cannot tackle this challenge. An effective resolution, he asserted, can only be achieved when cooperation is extended by all—from families and neighbourhoods to colonies, wards, and civil society organisations at large.
Also Read | Without unity among each other, can Nagas truly talk about independence?
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