The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has reaffirmed its support for the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, stating that the existence of an illegal liquor market does not justify repealing a law intended to protect families and communities from alcohol abuse.
In a press release, NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr Mar Pongener and secretary for social concerns Dr Villo Naleo explained that prohibition stems from concerns over alcohol’s impact on families and society, rather than solely regulatory or revenue motives. They framed the issue as one of human dignity, public health and social responsibility.
The council acknowledged that illegal sales, spurious alcohol and enforcement difficulties reveal shortcomings in implementation. However, it argued that violations alone do not invalidate prohibition’s principle. NBCC urged stronger enforcement, transparency and accountability, cautioning against unsubstantiated claims of organized corruption.
NBCC highlighted the Church’s efforts to address dependence through awareness, counseling, rehabilitation, prayer and pastoral care. It emphasized that the goal is not to stigmatize those struggling but to restore dignity and freedom from addiction, while encouraging collaboration among government, law‑enforcement, community groups, medical professionals and civil society.
The council called for a transparent, evidence‑based review of the NLTP Act, stressing that law requires implementation, not just legislation. It urged the government to close loopholes, strengthen enforcement, expand rehabilitation and base policy decisions on public‑health data and community experience, affirming the Act as an expression of social responsibility.
