In a significant development, the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), representing 97 colonies and 23 wards within the urban areas of Dimapur, has reiterated its call for the repeal of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989. The federation is urging the state government to demonstrate strong political will in addressing the concerns and rights of its citizens.
In alignment with their stance against the NLTP Act of 1989, DUCCF resubmitted a representation dated August 28, 2023, to the Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan. The representation, entrusted to the federation by the Naga Council Dimapur, was jointly signed by key figures including President Zasivikho Zakiesato and General Secretary Arep Changkija. The federation’s leadership expressed the need for the state government to take a decisive stand on the NLTP Act.
DUCCF disclosed that its demand for the repeal of the NLTP Act was grounded in extensive research conducted by a dedicated team of professionals from diverse backgrounds. The research focused on the non-implementation of the NLTP Act, particularly in and around Dimapur district, highlighting the adverse impact on the citizens of Nagaland.
The federation likened the imposition of NLTP on the citizens to various fanatical organizations dictating lifestyle choices, drawing parallels to bans on celebrations like Valentine’s Day and issues like “love jihad.” DUCCF emphasized that the current scenario in Dimapur, with over a thousand bootleggers operating in various establishments, was unsustainable and detrimental to the well-being of the citizens.
According to DUCCF, the illegal liquor trade in Dimapur, which includes bars, hotels, resorts, restaurants, dhabas, and roadside shops, generates a staggering monthly revenue of Rs. 15 crore. The federation argued that this thriving illegal business posed significant health risks, as confirmed by the health department, with most bootlegged liquor being spurious and more harmful than regular IMFL.
Drawing parallels with the United States’ prohibition era, DUCCF highlighted the negative consequences of the NLTP Act, citing the creation of an underground ecosystem that encouraged illegal means to make liquor available. The federation urged the Nagaland government to learn from history, emphasizing that 34 years of societal challenges and economic losses were enough for the current generation.
DUCCF concluded by underscoring the need for the state government to reconsider its position on the NLTP Act, asserting that consultations had taken place extensively and that it was time to address the pressing issues facing society.
