SKK officials along with Excise and Prohibition Department, Zunheboto during a joint inspection in Zunheboto Town on September 30. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | September 30
The All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to authorities to shut down all illegal liquor outlets operating in Zunheboto district, particularly those near educational institutions, cautioning of “further democratic and lawful” action if its demands are not met.
The ultimatum follows a joint inspection by the SKK and the Excise and Prohibition Department, Zunheboto, on Wednesday, during which liquor and tobacco products were seized from shops in and around Government Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto.
The seized consignments included 23 pieces of Kingfisher beer, 16 bottles of 180 ml McDowell’s liquor and eight packets of Shikhar tobacco. The seized items were handed over to the Excise and Prohibition Department, Zunheboto, for proper disposal/destruction following the issuance of the court order.
The SKK team came across the shops during its ongoing educational tour of Sümi-inhabited areas.
Addressing reporters, SKK General Secretary P Samuel Chophy said the union would maintain “zero tolerance” towards liquor shops operating across the district, particularly in and around educational institutions.
In a statement, the SKK said the sale of illegal liquor near schools posed a direct threat to the safety, discipline and well-being of students and the wider community. It called on law enforcement agencies to ensure the immediate closure of such outlets and strictly enforce the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989.
The union also demanded strict implementation of Section 6 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions.
The SKK appealed to the district administration, law enforcement agencies and the Excise and Prohibition Department to take immediate action against liquor shops operating in violation of applicable laws and regulations.
It also expressed concern over the wider impact of alcohol consumption across the Naga homeland, stating that excessive alcohol use has resulted in the loss of lives and affected families and communities.
“The SKK will not remain a silent spectator when illegal activities are allowed to operate around educational institutions,” the union said.
