The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has urged the Nagaland Government to ensure strict and uniform enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, expressing concern over what it described as widespread and unabated violations of the law across the state.
In a representation, issued by NSF president, Mteisuding and general secretary, Kenilo Kent and addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Federation stated that although discussions on possible policy reforms or amendments to the existing law may be underway, the NLTP Act remains the law of the land until it is amended or repealed by the Legislature. It asserted that all authorities entrusted with enforcing the Act are constitutionally and legally bound to uphold its provisions in both letter and spirit.
The NSF alleged that numerous illegal bars, liquor outlets and nightclubs serving alcoholic beverages continue to operate openly in several districts and urban centres despite the prohibition law.
“The continued existence and flourishing operation of such illegal establishments have effectively reduced the Act to a mere paper legislation and have severely undermined public confidence in the rule of law,” it stated.
The Federation also expressed concern over the growing prevalence of bootlegging and organised illicit liquor trade, alleging that illegal syndicates and bootleggers continue to transport, distribute and sell liquor through well-established networks without fear of legal action making a mockery of the NLTP Act.
It claimed that such activities contribute to organised crime, corruption, public disorder and increasing social problems, particularly among the youth.
The NSF warned individuals and syndicates involved in bootlegging and the illegal liquor trade to cease their activities immediately, stating that it would not remain a silent spectator while the law is allegedly undermined for personal gain.
Questioning the effectiveness of enforcement agencies, the Federation expressed disappointment over what it termed the “apparent laxity, indifference and failure” on the part of the law enforcement agencies and the concerned departments in addressing these blatant violations.
Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
;
It said the continued operation of illegal bars, night clubs and bootlegging networks despite being common public knowledge raises serious questions regarding the sincerity, effectiveness and accountability of the authorities entrusted with enforcing the law.
The NSF called upon the State Government to immediately direct all Deputy Commissioners, the Police Department, the Excise Department and other competent authorities to launch coordinated and sustained enforcement drives against illegal bars, liquor outlets, nightclubs, bootlegging syndicates and all individuals or establishments engaged in activities prohibited under the NLTP Act.
It demanded that offenders be identified, prosecuted and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law, without fear or exception.
The Federation further cautioned that if the present situation of alleged violations and administrative inaction continues, it would be compelled to launch democratic forms of protest to uphold the sanctity of the law and safeguard the interest of the society. It maintained that the Government and the concerned authorities would be solely responsible for any consequences arising from their continued failure to enforce the Act.
The NSF expressed hope that the Government would treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and take immediate corrective measures to restore public confidence through the strict and impartial enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act across the state.
