On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebration & IEC campaign for Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, the ICFAI University organised the state level debate competition on the topic NLTP Act 1989 on 18th November 2024 at ICFAI University campus Chumoukedima.

Addressing the gathering Joint Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, Hito Sema highlighted the aims and objectives of the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebration and IEC Campaign.

The winner of the debate, Pekivi K Kiho of Patkai Christian College, spoke against the motion. Acknowledging the intention of the NLTP Act 1989 as noble, Kiho however stated the society that we are living today is not one where we can say the Act has fulfilled its purpose and therefore, we must confront the truth that the NLTP Act has not succeeded its primary objective.

She contended that the NLTP Act has encouraged corruption, syndicate supplier, spurred liquor and consumption of adulterated alcohol have destroyed our people. The word ‘dry state’ exist only in paper but in reality we find alcohol everywhere like highways near government offices and educational institutions and even students and children can easily procure alcohol, Kiho maintained.

Without the Act, effective implementation such as licensing, regulating and monitoring of sales insuring that the alcohol is sale safely and responsibly, she said, adding that it is time to look for a more practical approach to address the problem.

Antsa Sumi, JE, Power Department, Dr. Juvil Jakha, MBBS and Dr. Eli Seb Rengma Consultant Clinical Cardiologist, Olive CHRC, were the judges of the event.

The participants of the debate competition were Toli K Jimo, Tshekukhro-u Akami, Yantsumong J Yimchunger, Pekivi K Kiho, Grace Zhimomi and Engenmendang Jamir.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Rupanka Bhuyan, Registrar IUN, and the program was chaired by Kikarenla Jamir while Kevimesu Naleo delivered the vote of thanks.