State Govt, NJCF and Naga Underground Organisations are collectively responsible for the failure of the NLTP Act.
Supplying spurious alcohol may be responsible for deaths. In September and October 2026, at least 23 deaths (including cases in Mokokchung and Tuensang districts) have been linked to methanol poisoning from illicit, spurious liquor.
In the larger context, more than 50% of deaths of our youth is related to spurious alcohol and addiction. Tens of thousands have died in hospitals from alcohol-related illnesses or are struggling with health issues related to alcohol addiction. While the economy of lakhs of families is destroyed, the matter does not end there. Siblings and relatives suffer in disrepute because addicts are accounted for, in marriage and in giving responsibilities. Nagaland’s life expectancy has dropped to 75 years on an average, as against 89.7 years (average), the highest life expectancy rate of Monaco.
Nagaland is under the spell of alcohol. Spurious alcohol is flowing in all the villages. In urban habitats, perhaps more than 5,000 outlets exist. In Dimapur alone, it is reported that there are over 2,000 outlets. There is no shortage of alcohol in any village or Town. This is encouraged by Naga Undergrounds. It is also alleged that monthly tax collected is more than Rs. 10-12 crores.
The government of the day views NLTP as a mere tool, prohibition form transportation, and not from the point of health, economy, or family. Bonded warehouse licenses issued to manage supplies for paramilitary forces are alleged to be misused in transporting alcohol in trucks all over Nagaland.
We have come across that NJCF had protested against lifting the NLTP Act, and the demand has been consistent to strictly enforce the NLTP Act. However, some organisations have ignored the NJCF stand and have demanded to lift the NLTP Act as it has miserably failed. Issuing liquor permits during Hornbill is a test. Perhaps the government thinks they have succeeded.
In my considered view, I do not approve of punishing petty traders who are working for their livelihood by impounding thousands of cases of alcohol and destroying them before the media, whilst bonded warehouse licensees are allowed to transport in huge truckloads to all destinations. It is just harming the poor. It is a crime against humanity.
Nagaland needs to enforce the law of the land, educate decency, manners, discipline, rehabilitate and train derailed youths for professional service. Discipline should start with public employees. All Government employees who are addicted to alcohol should be in reformatory school for a term that may not be less than 2 years. They can be used meaningfully in the reformatory school as trainers and teachers, and also learn in the process. No addicts should be free in the streets or at home.
Only a strong mandate can decide. Whether to lift or continue the NLTP Act is a question before the State Government and Naga Undergrounds.
K. Therie
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