The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed profound grief over the reported deaths of nine persons in Tuensang, allegedly linked to the consumption of suspected spurious liquor, and conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
The NPCC said the incident raises serious questions over the enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, questioning how suspected spurious liquor could enter the market, move through the supply chain and reach consumers in a State where liquor is prohibited.
The Congress party demanded a thorough and impartial investigation to identify the manufacturers, suppliers, transporters and sellers allegedly involved, and called for stringent action against those found responsible.
It also sought an inquiry into possible negligence, failure or complicity on the part of the Excise & Prohibition Department, Police and other enforcement agencies. The NPCC demanded immediate ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and appropriate assistance to those undergoing treatment.
The party further called for public disclosure of forensic and laboratory findings, as well as the outcome of the investigation, and urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation and enforcement of the prohibition law.
“The Government cannot simply place the entire responsibility upon the victims,” the NPCC said, asserting that when prohibited and potentially poisonous liquor is able to circulate within a prohibition State and results in loss of lives, the government owes the people an explanation.
The NPCC called upon the State Government to fix accountability and take effective measures to ensure that such a tragedy is not repeated.
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NPYC:
Nagaland Pradesh Youth Congress (NPYC) President, Herole Y has strongly condemned the reported deaths and hospitalisations in Tuensang allegedly linked to the consumption of spurious liquor. He expressed deep concern and urged the authorities to immediately verify the reports and conduct a thorough investigation.
“Any loss of life due to spurious liquor is extremely serious. The government must act quickly to identify the source, suppliers and entire network involved in the illegal liquor trade,” Herole said.
He pointed out that Nagaland is a dry state under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989. The Act prohibits the possession, transportation, sale, purchase, consumption and manufacture of liquor in the state. The government itself has stated that the Act was introduced to reduce alcohol-related harm and protect public health, he added.
“After so many years of prohibition, the continued availability of illegal liquor raises serious questions about enforcement. The law must not remain only on paper. There must be accountability from those who manufacture, transport and sell such dangerous liquor,” he said.
Herole urged the government to strengthen enforcement, improve coordination among departments and ensure immediate medical support to all affected persons.
“The government should not wait for another tragedy before taking action. The people of Nagaland deserve effective enforcement and greater accountability,” he added.
