DUCCF President Zasivikho Zakiesato and NCD president GK Rengma and others at the press conference in Dimapur on November 24. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 24
The call for repealing the liquor prohibition law from Dimapur district, atleast, has gained further momentum. The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) under the banner of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) held a consultative meeting with Dimapur-based tribal hohos, on November 24, on the ‘to be, or not to be’ of the highly controversial and contested Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, in effect since 1990.
DUCCF President, Zasivikho Zakiesato told a press conference after the meeting that the consultation evoked a shared concern with regard to the unhindered proliferation of alcohol in the state, and Dimapur in particular, despite a prohibition law in effect.
Zakiesato is the convener of the committee formed by various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Dimapur to demand the repeal of the law.
According him, the consensus in the meeting was to engage in further dialogues with the tribal hohos and civil society organisations (CSO) to carry forward their demand. “Our roadmap is holding consultations because without consultation we cannot strongly voice our wish,” he said.
Queried on the views expressed at the meeting today, Zakiesato said that a half of the gathering favoured immediate push for lifting the Act, while the other half favored further consultations before taking a stand.
He said that more consultations with the villages in Dimapur district and the legal fraternity (Dimapur Bar Association) have been lined up for January 2026 to gather a balanced range of perspectives on the issue. He added that a unified voice can only emerge through inclusive dialogue.
“36 years of NLTP has done more harm than good. We are all well aware of the reality. Prohibition has not worked. That's why we have taken this step to push for repealing the Act in Dimapur,” he asserted. He maintained that the failure of the Prohibition law has been the driving force behind their decision to push for its repeal.
He reminded that the DUCCF has articulated the basis for demanding the repeal of the Act in its representation to the state government in December 2023. This was preceded by CSOs of Dimapur submitting a representation to the Governor demanding the same.
“As leaders, we are driven by the prevailing reality and the need for practical solutions,” he said, while stating that their stance is not intended to be antagonistic towards the Church.
President of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), GK Rengma, said that all the 20 tribes represented in the NCD were invited to today's meeting. “We don't have any vested interest in pushing for repealing the NLTP Act,” he said. He added, however, “If we don't voice out, who will?” he asked, while calling upon all to participate in the process.
He acknowledged that the issue was thoroughly discussed in the Assembly in 2024, which did not translate into concrete action.
Regarding the statement issued by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) on November 18, DUCCF President Zakiesato said that they respect the church’s position. However, he said that civil society organisations are deeply connected to the realities on the ground. He asserted that the CSOs also have a moral responsibility to highlight the shortcomings and farcical nature of the NLTP Act, which has failed to achieve its intended objectives.
The contested NLTP Act was promulgated by the state government under pressure from the Nagaland Baptist Church Council and Naga Mothers’ Association.
