Kohima, June 5 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) on June 5 welcomed the interception of a truck carrying Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) near Jotsoma by youth volunteers and called for a swift and transparent inquiry into allegations of collusion between certain law enforcement personnel and liquor smugglers.
Referring to a report issued by the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) on June 5, the NBCC said the allegations of a nexus between smugglers and some law enforcement personnel were deeply alarming and, if proven true, would constitute “not only a breach of law but also a betrayal of public trust.”
The church body commended the efforts of volunteers from the AYO, Jotsoma Youth Organisation (JYO) and Tsiepama Youth Organisation (TYO), stating that they had acted at personal risk to protect public welfare and uphold the law in a lawful and non-violent manner.
Quoting biblical teachings on justice and integrity, the NBCC said corruption undermines the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, harms vulnerable sections of society and weakens the moral fabric of the state.
The council called for a transparent investigation by competent authorities into the findings highlighted by the AYO. It also sought protection for whistleblowers and youth volunteers against threats or retaliation, asserting that no individual should face reprisals for reporting wrongdoing.
The NBCC said that if the allegations are found to be false, those accused must be cleared of wrongdoing. However, if the allegations are substantiated, due process should be followed and no individual should be shielded from accountability.
Reiterating its support for the NLTP Act, the council said the legislation was enacted to protect Naga families, particularly the youth, from the social and economic consequences of alcohol abuse. It warned that enforcement failures caused by collusion would erode public confidence in the law and adversely affect society.
The church body urged the Excise Department, Police and the state government to review checkpoint procedures, strengthen oversight mechanisms and close loopholes that allow large consignments of liquor to evade checks. It also expressed concern that the Excise Department had become “toothless” over the years and called for intensified raids, particularly in Kohima town.
While thanking young people for refusing to remain “mute spectators”, the NBCC urged them to continue acting lawfully and in coordination with authorities. It also acknowledged the integrity of many law enforcement officers serving under difficult circumstances and appealed to them to root out corruption within their ranks.
The council further urged political and public leaders to ensure that justice is applied equally to both the powerful and the powerless.
Stating that the Church's role was not to police society but to call it towards truth, justice and righteousness, the NBCC expressed hope that the incident would become a turning point for greater transparency and integrity in public life.
