Calls Act ‘unsustainable’
Kohima, March 26 (MExN): The Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) has expressed concern over liquor-related violence in different parts of the State, while stating that it does not agree with the churches’ stand on the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.
In a press statement, the CAN said the issue of the NLTP Act is a legal and policy matter that falls under the jurisdiction of the State government and not the churches. It maintained that while the idea of a dry state may appear desirable, it does not necessarily lead to a more spiritual society.
“Just because the idea of a dry state is good does not mean that the success of the NLTP Act will make Nagaland more spiritual,” the Association said. It further claimed that instead of benefiting society, the Act has led to liquor going underground and contributed to the rise of anti-social activities.
CAN also stated that the NLTP Act is “neither rational nor a sustainable policy,” describing the issue as part of a broader global human food habit.
Appealing to churches, the association urged them to approach the issue from biblical authority rather than “some individual’s limited emotion.” It noted that the Bible neither explicitly bans nor permits liquor, and instead focuses on broader moral concerns.
“The Bible, in its wisdom, is against ‘gluttony’ because of its sinfulness and not in what people normally consume,” CAN said, adding that gluttony includes not only over-drinking or over-eating but also the pursuit of excessive praise, wealth, and power.
CAN asserted that addressing such vices should remain within the domain of the churches, stating that “preaching against such vices vigorously are the domain of the churches and in it also lay the sanctity of the churches itself.”
