Naga ethnic Baptist churches in Dimapur have categorically opposed any efforts to lift or amend the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989. In a stern joint statement, these churches expressed that the ongoing alcohol-related issues are due to failures in the implementation of the law rather than any shortcomings of the law itself. They underscored the severe socio-economic, public health, and moral ramifications of alcohol misuse, reiterating that these concerns do not warrant a repeal or weakening of the prohibition law.
The churches attributed the crisis to ineffective enforcement, a lack of political will, systemic corruption, and the influence of syndicate networks allegedly operating with the support of certain Naga national groups. They firmly rejected the notion that ethical and moral values should be compromised as a trade-off for addressing administrative and governance failures. Instead, they argued that governmental shortcomings should be resolved through proper reform and accountability measures, asserting that the solution does not lie in retreating from moral principles or legalizing alcohol.
The statement was co-signed by various church leaders, including prominent figures such as Rev. Jongpong Imsong from the Dimapur Area Ao Baptist Arogo Pastors’ Fellowship, Rev. Dr. Yanbemo from the Dimapur Lotha Baptist Church, and leaders from numerous other Baptist churches in Dimapur.
