Naga Council Dimapur condemns Prysm Lounge vandalism, questions coercive donations, illegal liquor trade, and Nagaland prohibition law enforcement
DIMAPUR — With Naga Students' Federation (NSF) Finance Secretary Katho P Awomi arrested after surrendering to police in connection with the Prysm Lounge vandalism case, and the controversy triggering wider debate over alleged “free-will contributions”, illegal liquor outlets and the enforcement of prohibition laws, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) on Monday condemned the incident and called for greater public scrutiny of the issues it has brought to light.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NCD stated that the alleged monetary demand and vandalism involving the NSF finance secretary at Prysm Lounge, owned by the president of Dimapur Restaurant Union (DRU), “should be condemned by one and all.”
According to the council, the incident has exposed “multifaceted aspects” of the challenges confronting Dimapur. It alleged that the methods adopted by different civil society organisations (CSOs) in seeking what are described as “free-will donations” were no different from coercive practices that have long troubled the business community.
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“The various tactics used to ensure the so-called 'free will donation' by different CSOs is no less than some extortionists,” the statement read.
The NCD also stated that the controversy had highlighted the existence of more than 30 lounges allegedly selling liquor illegally in Dimapur, describing them as establishments linked to ‘vice and immoral’ activities.
It questioned the effectiveness of the NLTP Act under which the Excise department and the district administration function, saying the law raises "uncomfortable questions" that require public answers. The council maintained that public discussion on the prohibition law should continue.
The organisation further criticised the silence of society and the Church on such issues. “Our hypocritical society along with the Church, who are the shepherds and conscience keepers, seem to turn a blind eye,” it stated, adding that the NCD would continue to raise public concern on issues “where there is more than meets the eye.”