NPP urges Nagaland govt to strengthen border coordination

Dimapur, October 17 (MExN): The National People’s Party (NPP) on Saturday urged the Nagaland government to order a comprehensive, transparent and time-bound investigation into the suspected adulterated liquor deaths in Mokokchung and Tuensang districts.The NPP National Vice-President Vevoyi Wideo D Vadeo in a statement called upon the state government to strengthen inter-state coordination between Nagaland and Assam police and enforcement agencies to identify the sources, suppliers and distribution channels of the suspected spurious liquor.The party also demanded accountability, seeking appropriate legal action against individuals or networks found responsible based on forensic evidence and investigation findings, and urged the government to provide relief and assistance to the bereaved families and strengthen public awareness about the dangers of consuming liquor from unverified sources.Expressing “grave concern and deep anguish” over the continuing loss of lives, the NPP said the recurrence of such deaths exposed the “complete collapse of enforcement” and the free availability of illicit liquor across Nagaland, particularly in border areas, in a dry state.“These are not isolated incidents... This points to a deep-rooted, organised illicit network and a systemic failure of the State machinery,” Vadeo said, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.The party said the issue must be addressed beyond political considerations, with compassion for affected families, scientific investigation and firm administrative action, asserting that protection of human life must remain paramount and that no policy framework should be beyond objective examination when repeated tragedies expose implementation gaps.“This is not the time to debate morality. This is about the Government's constitutional duty to protect the right to life of its citizens. When a ban exists, it is the Government's duty to enforce it,” the NPP said, urging the government to treat the matter with the seriousness and urgency it deserves to prevent further loss of innocent lives.