Nagaland Baptist Church Council’s Urgent Call: United Stand Against Alcoholism with NLTP Act Advocacy
Rev. Zelhou Kehyo, General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), highlighted that the church’s support for the Nagaland Total Prohibition Act (NLTP Act) is tied to broader concerns about governance and societal well-being. Enacted in 1989, the NLTP Act aims to curb alcoholism. Rev. Kehyo emphasized that the church’s backing stems from ethical considerations and a need to address the adverse effects of alcohol abuse such as relationship issues and financial instability.
While acknowledging the Act’s partial ineffectiveness—citing challenges like black marketing and illegal production—Rev. Kehyo maintained cautious optimism. He noted some progress in rural areas, stressing the importance of a collective societal stance against alcohol to ensure the Act’s success. “For the Act to truly succeed, we must collectively denounce alcohol as evil,” he said.
Rev. Kehyo also critiqued the term “total prohibition,” pointing out that the Act has similarities with the earlier 1967 provision, including allowances for regulated alcohol use, medical exemptions, and licensed production. However, he conceded that illegal activities have compromised the Act’s efficacy.
Additionally, Rev. Kehyo discussed the NBCC’s Clean Election Movement (CEM), which aims to combat corruption and promote ethical governance. He explained that while the CEM focuses on electoral integrity, its broader mission addresses systemic corruption and advocates for higher ethical standards in governance. “The CEM is not just about elections; it addresses corruption and advocates for ethical practices in governance,” he noted.
Rev. Kehyo acknowledged the significant challenges confronting the church but expressed steadfast commitment to improving societal norms and supporting effective governance. “We must view each other positively and work together to overcome our collective challenges,” he concluded, underscoring the church’s dedication to societal betterment.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/nagaland/story/nagaland-baptist-church-council-advocates-for-nltp-act-demands-collective-action-against-alcoholism-1052480-2024-07-19?utm_source=rssfeed
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