Nagaland CM calls for collective action against spurious liquor, acknowledges limitations of prohibition

KOHIMA — Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday addressed the effectiveness of the Nagaland Total Liquor Prohibition (NLTP) Act, calling for a collective effort to combat the dangers of spurious liquor while acknowledging the limitations of the 34-year-old law.

Speaking during the Nagaland Legislative Assembly session, Rio highlighted the challenges of enforcing the prohibition, which was enacted in 1989 to curb alcohol-related issues. While acknowledging the initial intent of the Act to address social problems stemming from alcohol abuse, such as domestic violence, health problems, drunken driving, and public disorders, he conceded that it has fallen short of its goals.

Reflecting on the 34-year-old statute, Rio said “we cannot say that it has been successful, and there are various factors for this”.

Historically and contemporarily, efforts to ban alcohol have led to unintended and often detrimental consequences, such as the rise of a black market, increased criminal activity, including the rise of syndicate suppliers, and the proliferation of spurious and inferior quality liquor, among others.

Furthermore, “the State Government can only regulate and restrict the sale and flow of liquor, but the government cannot outrightly prohibit individuals from drinking, which is essentially a matter of personal choice and decision,” he maintained.

He further emphasised that the issue is largely driven by the dynamics of demand and supply. “As long as people drink, there is bound to be demand, and what naturally follows is the supply based on such demand,” he said.

The chief minister highlighted the disparity in the impact of the Act, noting its relative effectiveness in rural areas compared to its significant failure in urban centres.

He also said that the government genuinely appreciates the concerns raised by the Church, and stated its commitment to consulting with all sections of society on important public matters such as the NLTP Act before making any decisions.

Citing examples of past challenges, such as the successful conduct of urban local body elections after overcoming initial resistance, Rio underscored the power of dialogue and consultation in navigating complex issues.

Similarly, the NLTP Act needs extensive consultation with all stakeholders, he said, calling for open dialogue and collaboration between the government, communities, and civil society organisations, he added.

Also read: NLTP Act: Legislators spar over reassessment, strategies

Regarding the gaps in the enforcement of the NLTP Act, Rio said that simply blaming the state government will not improve the situation. He emphasised the need to understand that state agencies such as the Police or the Excise department alone cannot address this challenge, as it requires a collective resolution and participation from every section of the community.

The chief minister observed that the prohibition has primarily benefited a select few, driving the liquor trade underground and empowering bootleggers at the expense of public health and safety.

He highlighted the plight of ordinary citizens who bear the brunt of this illicit trade, suffering from various health issues and even losing their lives to spurious liquor.

He expressed concern that many men and women lose their lives at a very young age due to drinking spurious liquor. Many people in society suffer from liver diseases or alcohol-related complications because they have access only to inferior and adulterated liquor, he added.

Drawing parallels with a recent tragedy in Tamil Nadu, where 65 people died from consuming spurious liquor, he also said, citing sources from the Home Ministry, that 947 deaths occurred in 2020 and 782 deaths in 2021 due to the consumption of spurious liquor in the country. Additionally, several Nagas seek medical treatment outside the state for diseases caused by spurious alcohol consumption.

He stressed the need for stringent quality control measures, which could be achieved through regulated alcohol sales, reducing the risks associated with consuming illicit, potentially lethal alcohol.

Besides alcohol-related issues, Rio noted that many people are turning to various drugs, stating that the problems prevailing in society are not only a concern for mothers, the Church, or society, but for everyone.

Recalling a recent cabinet meeting on August 22, Rio said the decision to revisit and potentially amend the NLTP Act was prompted by numerous appeals from various organisations. Noting that the decision sparked widespread public interest, becoming a topic of discussion on social media platforms, he said open dialogue and further deliberations would be crucial in bridging perspectives and finding a path forward.

Further, he outlined the cabinet’s proposal to explore relaxations for diplomats and their delegates to promote tourism. Additionally, the government may consider relaxing the act in municipalities and district headquarters based on requests from civil society groups and local bodies, and form a committee to assess the demand of the people rather than leaving the decision solely to the government.

He said that revising the Act alone is insufficient and stressed the need for its robust enforcement and regulation. He also called for collective responsibility and a united front against spurious liquor, bootleggers and black marketers, urging citizens, communities, and the government to work together to protect the health and well-being of the people.

“Instead of pointing fingers at one another, it is time we all came together and reason together so that we could collectively and resolutely address this problem and make society free from the hazards of spurious and illicit liquor. Rather than judging one another, let us have an open mind and positively share views and inputs to make our community healthy and resilient,” he maintained.