Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and its NLTP Act 1989 repeal committee have submitted a new representation to the deputy commissioner, urging the state government to lift the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act in the city. The request, addressed to the chief minister and senior officials, follows repeated appeals that have not produced any action.
The NCD president, GK Rengma, noted that the prohibition law, enacted in 1989, has been in force for 37 years, yet liquor remains widely available in Dimapur. He recalled a memorandum submitted to the state government and governor on 20 November 2023, which was discussed in the state assembly in August 2024 but did not lead to any change. After consultations with various civil society organisations (CSOs) since January, the council decided to focus the request on Dimapur.
A NCD vigilance committee survey identified more than 2,000 liquor outlets in and around the city, excluding restaurants. CSO representatives argue that illegal sales continue around the clock, even in residential areas, and that prohibition has failed to curb availability. They cite deaths linked to spurious liquor and propose a one‑year trial of regulated sales. Under the plan, shops would operate from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with dry days and restrictions. Liquor would not be sold to anyone below 23 years, and those 23 and older could purchase up to two bottles, verified by Aadhaar at the point of sale.
The representation, which includes census data and a regulatory roadmap, was forwarded to the chief minister, chief secretary, advisor, MLA for tribal affairs, commissioner, secretary of home, commissioner of excise and other concerned officials. DC Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, confirmed receipt and said it would be sent to higher authorities. The council has not set a deadline for a response and will decide its next steps if no action follows.
