Dimapur, April 1 (MExN): The Pochury Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (PBPF) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, describing it as the “workable option” for the Christian-majority state and cautioning that its repeal would be a “surrender and a failure morally, spiritually and socially.”
The forum in a press statement issued by the Press Release Committee comprising Rev Müluote Nyuwi, Rev Dr Z Mosa Tsang and Chuwasie Nyuwi on Wednesday urged the state government to implement the Act with full political will, asserting that the legislation remains relevant despite changing times.
“The effect of alcohol is known to all, therefore it is not a topic to be debated,” the forum asserted. It added that while the Church offers retreat, prayer, rehab and counselling centers and many more, “but the best course of action is to deal with the root cause and put an end to it, which is achievable if the government is willing.”
“May God guide us to a better and healthier society by blessing and endowing the representatives with wisdom and knowledge to do the best for the society,” it implored.
The PBPF also expressed strong displeasure over the Centre’s enforcement of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, calling it “infamous and illegal” and accusing the government of “exacting undue discipline” upon citizens.
The Fellowship maintained that in a democratic and secular country like India, mutual respect must prevail without hurting religious sentiments or dictating faith-based agendas.
The body further condemned what it termed repeated attempts by the government and its “nexus agencies” to marginalise and discriminate against the Christian community. It cited the closure of Christian mission aids, restrictions on Christian leaders, and the observation of Christmas Day as ‘Good Governance Day’ as examples. “Sundays and Holy days are not spared with government events, programmes, working days, etc,” the release noted.
Asserting that a government elected by the people cannot dictate to citizens but must work for their welfare, the PBPF said, “India is known as a land of ‘Unity in Diversity’, let it flourish and shine.”
