Angami Youth Organisation has alleged a smuggler–enforcement nexus after seizing a truckload of Indian Made Foreign Liquor near Jotsoma.
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DIMAPUR — Allegations of collusion between law enforcement personnel and liquor smugglers surfaced on Thursday after the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) intercepted a truckload of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) near Jotsoma and claimed that fully masked armed personnel fled the scene when confronted by youth volunteers.
In a press statement, the AYO claimed that the incident, which occurred around midnight on May 29, has prompted it to question the effectiveness of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act and raise concerns over what it termed an entrenched nexus enabling the movement of large quantities of illicit liquor into the state.
According to the AYO, its volunteers intercepted a truck bearing registration number AS01EC-4296 along the Mt. Tabor–Jotsoma bypass road while it was allegedly being unloaded and searched by masked personnel believed to be from a paramilitary force.
The organisation stated that upon intervention by the volunteers, it was discovered that the truck was carrying a full consignment of IMFL.
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It alleged that the armed personnel immediately fled the spot when questioned, prompting the volunteers to report the matter to AYO leaders.
Describing the development as serious and suspicious, the AYO stated that it subsequently seized the consignment and launched an internal inquiry.
The inquiry, the organisation claimed, revealed links between certain officers and personnel of law enforcement agencies and individuals involved in illegal liquor trafficking.
“This hand-in-glove relation between the smugglers and law enforcing agencies allow the free passage of such huge quantities of illegal items despite regular frisking at different points along the stretch of the National Highway and other routes leading to Kohima,” the organisation alleged.
The AYO further questioned the “lackadaisical” implementation of NLTP Act, pointing out that the prohibition regime had, in practice, become a mechanism benefiting a select group of smugglers and corrupt officials while depriving the state of revenue.
The organisation condemned any collusion between enforcement agencies and smugglers, warning that it would not remain a “mute spectator” to activities detrimental to society.
Asserting that it acted in accordance with the law, the AYO informed that it handed over the seized liquor consignment to the Excise and Prohibition department in Kohima in the presence of the deputy commissioner (Zonal), officials of the department, and representatives of Jotsoma Youth Organisation (JYO) and Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation (TYO).
The youth body further warned that any attempt to threaten, intimidate or harass its volunteers or citizens reporting unlawful activities would be treated with utmost seriousness, adding that those responsible would be held accountable.