NBCC asks govt to uphold NLTP Act until amended or repealed

Dimapur, July 25 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) on Saturday backed the Naga Students' Federation's (NSF) demand for strict enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, saying the government's credibility depends on its willingness to uphold laws enacted by the legislature.

In a statement, the NBCC said the students' body's appeal deserved "serious attention" as it reflected concern for the welfare of society, protection of families and the future of Nagaland.

The Council commended the NSF for reminding the state government that the rule of law is fundamental to a just and orderly society, adding that the appeal was not merely about enforcing a particular statute but also about ensuring integrity in governance, accountability in public service and adherence to constitutional responsibilities.

Referring to Christian teachings, the NBCC said government is entrusted with upholding justice, restraining evil and promoting the common good. It said public office is a "sacred trust" and those in authority are expected to administer justice impartially, honestly and with accountability.

The Council said the immediate issue was not whether the NLTP Act, 1989, should be retained, amended or repealed, noting that such policy decisions belong to the democratic process. However, it asserted that until the law is changed through the legislature, it remains binding on all citizens and public authorities.

It warned that selective or inconsistent enforcement weakens the moral authority of government, erodes public confidence, encourages corruption and diminishes respect for the rule of law.

The NBCC also highlighted the social consequences of the illegal liquor trade, saying alcohol abuse contributes to broken families, domestic violence, poverty, crime, child neglect, addiction and the erosion of human dignity. It further claimed that many criminal cases and fatal road accidents appeared to be linked to drunkenness.

The Council appealed to Naga nationalist groups to reject any direct or indirect involvement in illegal liquor syndicates or other unlawful activities and instead support justice, transparency and the rule of law by exposing illegal activities that undermine society.

It said those who uphold the vision of "Nagaland for Christ" have a moral responsibility to reflect the values of righteousness, truth and justice, adding that any association with illegal activities contradicts Christian principles of integrity and accountability.

The NBCC said both government and citizens have responsibilities in ensuring good governance, with public officials expected to faithfully administer laws enacted by the legislature while citizens should respect lawful authority and hold institutions accountable through peaceful and democratic means.

It also stressed that enforcement of the law should be accompanied by fairness and compassion, saying people struggling with addiction should have access to rehabilitation, pastoral care and opportunities for recovery.

The Council said if there was a genuine desire to review the NLTP Act, discussions should take place through constitutional and democratic processes based on evidence, broad public consultation and concern for the common good. Until then, it said, administrative convenience or political expediency could not justify failure to enforce an existing law.

While appreciating recent enforcement drives by the Excise Department in Dimapur, the NBCC urged the Excise Commissioner to conduct similar coordinated operations in Kohima and all other districts to ensure uniform implementation of the law.

It also called upon colony chairpersons, ward councillors and community leaders to work with authorities in tackling alcoholism and the illegal liquor trade, saying protecting the social, moral and physical well-being of society was a shared responsibility.

The Council said the support expressed by various sections of society, including the student community, reflected a growing concern over the harmful impact of alcohol abuse. It urged the Nagaland government to respond positively to the NSF's appeal and take appropriate action in accordance with the law after consulting all relevant stakeholders.

"The future of Nagaland depends greatly on the values, health and aspirations of its younger generation, and their voice merits both respect and meaningful consideration," the statement said.