The Konyak Civil Societies, comprising the Konyak Union (KU), the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU), and the Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK), have strongly opposed the Nagaland Government’s proposal to partially lift the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989. This decision comes after careful consideration of the potential consequences for their community.
The civil societies reminded that the call for total prohibition was initiated in response to the devastating effects of unrestricted alcohol availability. They highlighted that their courageous fight against rampant alcoholism, which was taking a toll on their society, was later supported by other Naga tribal organizations. This collective effort led to the enactment of the NLTP Act in 1989, making Nagaland a dry state.
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In a joint press release, the Konyak CSOs categorically rejected any proposal for even a partial lifting of the NLTP Act within their jurisdiction. They emphasized that their society cannot afford to be used as an experimental ground for policies that may reintroduce the very challenges they fought so hard to overcome. The Konyak people are not yet ready to face the potential consequences of a free flow of alcohol within their communities.
The Konyak CSOs asserted that they are not against progress or development but believe changes must be made when the people and environment are truly ready to embrace them. They urged the Nagaland Government to leave the Konyak jurisdiction under the full effect of the NLTP Act, 1989.
