NLTP Act: Legislators spar over reassessment, strategies

KOHIMA — Advisor for Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, called for a thorough reassessment of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989.

Initiating discussion on matters of urgent public importance on the first day of the fifth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Longkumer highlighted the high expectations that accompanied the NLTP Act when it was implemented in 1990.

He attributed its failure to several underlying factors, including a lack of awareness campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of alcohol consumption and the absence of alternative income sources for traditional local brewers affected by the prohibition.

A significant impediment to the effective enforcement of the NLTP Act, according to Longkumer, is the porous 512.10-kilometre border Nagaland shares with Assam. He also pointed out that the proximity of Dimapur to towns like Lahorijan and Khatkati has allowed these areas to thrive economically by supplying liquor to Nagaland.

The Advisor informed that the Nagaland Excise department is severely underresourced, with only 336 personnel tasked with enforcing the prohibition across the entire state. This manpower shortage, coupled with outdated equipment and a lack of motor vehicles for mobility, has rendered effective enforcement nearly impossible.

As a result, illegal bootlegging has flourished, with numerous unlicensed outlets operating openly in Dimapur and Kohima under the guise of cold drink shops, contributing to the proliferation of spurious and inferior quality alcohol.

Also, he linked the rise in HIV/AIDS cases in the state to the underground liquor trade, which has fostered environments conducive to risky behaviours, including the growth of local sex work in border areas.

Longkumer noted that sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and horticulture have been severely affected by the prohibition law and these industries could greatly benefit from a regime change.

He proposed several potential amendments, including the introduction of weekly dry days, regulated business hours for alcohol outlets, and the establishment of a legal drinking age of 21 and above. He also suggested stricter enforcement measures and penalties for violations.

Time for review or stricter enforcement?

Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, highlighted the issue of prevailing spurious liquor and its harmful effects. He urged sections of society to come together and discuss the matter rather than resorting to threats, which would do no good.

Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, advisor for School Education and SCERT, expressed that Nagas demonising liquor is harmful to the younger generation and suggested that drinking should be a matter of personal liberty.

Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo, stressed that the NLTP Act reflects Nagaland’s Christian identity and urged for its strengthening to safeguard the state’s social and moral fabric. He cautioned that while lifting the Act might generate revenue, the social and financial costs would be far greater.

MLA P Longon voiced opposition to lifting the Act and suggested increasing manpower in the concerned department. He also pressed for reamending the Act with stricter measures. MLA Khuzholuzo Nienu stated that if the state government truly wants to impose the Act, it needs to strengthen the department and enforce a complete ban on liquor.

Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies, KT Sukhalu, asserted that it is time to seriously reconsider the Act and take appropriate steps. Meanwhile, MLA Nuklutoshi opined that the dry law—the NLTP Act of 1989—is a misnomer and not as beneficial as it appears.

MLA Dr. Tsielhoutuo Rhutso mentioned that alcohol is the oldest drug but is also the most abused. MLA Achumbemo Kikon pointed out that no country or state has succeeded in imposing prohibition, suggesting that the Act is no longer relevant. He proposed forming a committee to study the issue for either reviewing or revoking the Act.

MLA Dr. Sukhato Sema suggested addressing the issue of spurious liquor, while MLA Jwenga Seb advocated for lifting the Act. MLA Dr. Neisatuo Mero recommended consulting with stakeholders, and Advisor for Law and Justice TN Manen insisted on a rational understanding of the reality.

Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, clarified that the state government is sacrificing revenue in the interest of the people and is not acting selfishly.