MOKOKCHUNG, Oct. 18: The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) has called for a comprehensive review of Nagaland’s liquor prohibition law following suspected spurious liquor deaths, arguing that protecting human life must take precedence over rigid positions on prohibition.
In a joint statement on Saturday, MTLT president Imnaonen Pongen and general secretary Moarenba Ozukum urged elected representatives to take up the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, for debate in the State Assembly “without fear or favour”.
The organisation clarified that it was not demanding an outright repeal of the Act, but wanted an evidence-based assessment of its implementation, effectiveness and consequences for public health and safety.
The demand follows the deaths of three persons at Longpayimsen village on October 15 and 16, suspected to have been caused by methanol poisoning. The MTLT described the fatalities as an alarming public health crisis and questioned whether strict enforcement of prohibition alone could prevent the circulation of illicit and potentially lethal liquor.
While acknowledging the prompt response of the district administration and police, including their stated zero-tolerance approach towards illegal alcohol, the organisation said recurring deaths pointed to the need to examine the broader policy framework.
It cautioned that prohibition, if unable to eliminate illicit liquor, could drive the trade underground, making it harder to regulate and exposing consumers to greater risks.
The MTLT also called for legal and policy scrutiny of the State’s responsibility to protect the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
It said the crisis should not become an occasion to blame the government, the Church or civil society, but should prompt a constructive legislative debate based on evidence and public welfare.
The organisation also sought an update from Mokokchung police on the investigation into the seizure of 15,824 empty McDowell’s rum bottles during a surprise vehicle check at Sewak Gate on May 8, 2026.
Police had suspected that the bottles were being transported for the manufacture of adulterated liquor. The MTLT urged authorities to establish their intended use, determine whether they were linked to illicit liquor production and take appropriate action if wrongdoing was found.
Warning consumers against liquor from unverified sources, the organisation also cautioned against turning to narcotics or other harmful substances as alternatives amid alcohol scarcity.
Nagaland, it said, could not afford to lose another generation to substance abuse and addiction.
The MTLT called on the government, legislators, law enforcement agencies, the Church, civil society and the public to work together towards a practical and sustainable response, combining effective enforcement with responsible policymaking and a willingness to critically examine the existing law.
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