Some of the participants of the consultative meeting cum pre-Christmas programme jointly organised by Christian Forum Dimapur and Joint Christian Forum Nagaland on December 15.
Dimapur, December 16 (MExN): “Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act (NLTP) 1989 is an important issue to be discussed and churches need to work together with the experts, civil societies and government to implement the act scientifically and effectively.”
This was observed by Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), General Secretary and Joint Christian Forum Nagaland (JCFN), Chairman, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho during the consultative meeting cum pre-Christmas programme jointly organised by Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) and JCFN on December 15 with the theme ‘Heal Nagaland.’
“Church needs to collaborate with various stakeholders to develop some practical strategies to make the Act implemented effectively,” Rev Keyho observed in his keynote address while stating, “We need to admit that the government and the church have failed to act upon the Act systematically and effectively. The Church cannot hold on the Act without doing anything systematically, professionally and intelligently.”
He also opined that Church need to take criticism positively and constructively. “The time has come for all of us to especially the churches, government, civil society organizations all to work together to make the dream of the people of Nagaland a reality,” he added.
A press release from CFD stated that the programme was organised with the objective to discuss on various issues such as Church response to Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act of 1989, Church response to unemployment & youth issues in Nagaland, Church response to present political situation in Nagaland.
During the occasion, two panel discussions were also held with the following panelist: Maongwati Aier, Former Deputy Commissioner Dimapur and Commissioner of Excise Dimapur, Dr Sedevi Angami, Director of CIHSR, James Ngullie (representative on behalf of the Churches contribution, Yanbemo Lotha, Associate Pastor, Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur and Rev Dr Paphino, Advisory, CFD. Dr Fr C P Anto, Secretary CFD moderated the panel discussion.
In the discussion, Moanwati Aier presented the statistics about various states in India implementing liquor prohibition. He mentioned states like Kerala, Gujarat, Manipur, Mizoram and Bihar are performing better than Nagaland “because they have very stringent measures laws and defaulters are severely punished.” He said, “Like any other social issues, alcoholism is also another serious social evil.” Aier explained the challenges and issues and also shared the strategies to combat the issue effectively.
Dr Sedevi Angami, Director, CIHSR presented on the alcohol hazards and its effects on the life of the individuals and society. In his talk, Dr Sedevi warned the future consequences on children and youth if the Act is lifted. He mentioned various strategies to help the Churches and civil society to fight the issue effectively.
“In order to bring effective implementation the Act, we need to have good governance, dynamic leadership in the local and state level,” he asserted and also to the churches in order to effectively respond to the various issues, he suggested that church needs proper curriculum for spiritual and social activities. He also strongly spoke about non-discriminatory approach and the need to teach to the children and youth and the need to overcome tribalism issues.
Rev James Ngullie briefed the initiatives, activities and various programmes conducted by various churches in response to the NLTP Act.
Yanbemo Lotha highlights the various youth related issues, challenges and how to respond positively to resolve the issues by various churches in the state. He shared that around 21.5% youths are unemployed in Nagaland. Therefore, he urged the church to be an agent for the youth unemployment and a facilitator for helping them to find meaningful life.
He also lamented that “Nagaland churches are focusing on outside mission rather than helping our own youths who are unemployed.”
Rev Moses Murry, Chairman, CFD welcomed and spoke on behalf of the Churches’ response to the political situation of the state. The gathering decided to pray for unity and reconciliation among all the political groups to come together and work for lasting peace and sustainable development. He mentioned that the unique history of the Nagas need to be respected and solution should not bring any more further escalation of violent conflicts among the people of God. He spoke about the proposed action plan.
Short speeches were given by Naga Women Hoho represented by Elis Z Swu, Dimapuir Naga Student Union was DNSU was represented by Nupato K Chishi and Nagaland NGO Forum was represented by Dr Hesheto all appreciated the initiative of the Churches in this regard.
A Christmas message was given by Rev Fr Chacko Karinthayil. Rev Dr P Dozo, Advisor, CFD pronounced invocation and Lanuakum did the benediction. Rita Kikon, Secretary, Women Committee CFD chaired the programme.
It ended with a plan of action and to form a participatory and inclusive working committee under the leadership of Moanwati Aier.
