Nine people died in Tuensang after allegedly drinking spurious liquor, a tragedy that has drawn strong reactions from the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) and the Nagaland Pradesh Youth Congress (NPYC). Both parties expressed deep sorrow for the victims’ families and called for a thorough, impartial investigation into the deaths.
The NPCC’s statement questioned how prohibited liquor could reach consumers in a state that has been a “dry State” under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act. It demanded the identification of manufacturers, suppliers, transporters and sellers involved, and called for stringent action against those responsible. The committee also urged an inquiry into possible negligence or complicity by the Excise & Prohibition Department, police and other enforcement agencies. In addition, the NPCC sought immediate ex‑gratia compensation for the families and assistance for those receiving treatment, and demanded public disclosure of forensic and laboratory findings.
NPYC president Herole Y condemned the deaths and hospitalisations, urging authorities to verify the reports and conduct a thorough investigation. He highlighted that the continued availability of illegal liquor after many years of prohibition raises serious questions about enforcement. Herole stressed that the law must be more than paper and that accountability should be imposed on those who manufacture, transport and sell dangerous liquor. He called for stronger enforcement, better coordination among departments and immediate medical support for all affected.
Both parties emphasised that the government cannot place the entire responsibility on the victims. They argued that when prohibited and potentially poisonous liquor circulates in a prohibition state and causes loss of life, the government owes the people an explanation and must ensure such tragedies are not repeated. The NPCC and NPYC therefore called on the state government to fix accountability, strengthen enforcement and review the implementation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act of 1989.
