Nagaland civil society groups want liquor ban in State lifted
Civil society groups in Nagaland are calling for the repeal of the 37-year-old liquor prohibition law, citing its failure to stop illegal sales and the recent deaths caused by spurious liquor. They propose a regulated, Aadhaar-verified sales model as a safer alternative.
Why it matters
Reflects a significant policy debate regarding the efficacy of prohibition versus regulation in managing public health and illicit markets.
Civil society organisations in Dimapur, Nagaland ’s commercial hub bordering Assam, have demanded an end to prohibition in the State.
According to the organisations, the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act was implemented 37 years ago but it has failed to stop the flow of liquor into Dimapur and other parts of Nagaland. Citing deaths and health issues due to consumption of spurious liquor, they advocated regulated access to quality liquor, thus allowing the government to exercise greater control over its sale.
At least 19 people died in the State’s Mokukchung and Tuensang districts in September after consuming adulterated liquor.
Representing the civil society groups, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) submitted a memorandum to Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Tinojongshi Chang on October 6, demanding the removal of the NLTP Act in the district. The NCD cited similar representations that went unanswered in the past.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in