Nagaland civil society groups want liquor ban in State lifted

Civil society organisations in Dimapur, Nagaland’s commercial hub bordering Assam, have demanded an end to prohibition in the State.

According to the organisations, the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act was implemented 37 years ago but it has failed to stop the flow of liquor into Dimapur and other parts of Nagaland. Citing deaths and health issues due to consumption of spurious liquor, they advocated regulated access to quality liquor, thus allowing the government to exercise greater control over its sale.

Deaths due to adulterated liquor

At least 19 people died in the State’s Mokukchung and Tuensang districts in September after consuming adulterated liquor.

Representing the civil society groups, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) submitted a memorandum to Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Tinojongshi Chang on October 6, demanding the removal of the NLTP Act in the district. The NCD cited similar representations that went unanswered in the past.

Pressure from church organisations led to the enactment of the NLTP Act in 1989, NCD president G.K. Rengma told journalists, while adding that the Act did little to stop drinking in Nagaland.

Over 2,000 liquor outlets

He said the NCD’s vigilance committee conducted a survey recently and found more than 2,000 liquor outlets in and around Dimapur. He said the figure excluded restaurants.

The NCD said liquor was being sold illegally in residential and commercial areas around the clock, arguing that prohibition failed to prevent its availability. “We have suggested a one-year trial of regulated liquor sales in Dimapur. Under the proposed framework, shops would operate from 11 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., with designated dry days and other restrictions,” Mr. Rengma said.

Regulatory road map

According to the proposals, liquor should not be sold to anyone below 23 years, and those aged 23 years and above should be permitted to purchase a limited quantity, subject to Aadhaar-based verification at the point of sale.

The groups said copies of the representation, containing Census data and the proposed regulatory road map, were forwarded to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, relevant MLAs and officers for necessary action.

The NCD said they held discussions with church leaders before drafting the demand to lift the NLTP Act. “The churches have responsibilities concerning prohibition, but the government has a responsibility to regulate the situation,” their representatives said.

The only other Northeastern State where liquor is prohibited is the Christian-majority Mizoram. The Mizoram government, however, eased certain restrictions under the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2025, to legalise local fruit wines and beers.