NBCC Urges Nagaland Government to Uphold NLTP Act Amidst Debates
Kohima, August 24 (MExN): Following recent hints from the Nagaland State Government about potentially reassessing the contentious Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) alongside other Baptist Church leaders have vocally opposed the move.
In a joint statement issued on August 24, the NBCC and its Member Associations emphasized that revisiting the Act is not a solution, advocating instead for greater transparency and accountability in governance. They cautioned that abolishing the Act seems motivated by profit for the wealthy rather than the general populace’s well-being.
The NBCC criticized the shift towards pragmatism and relativism, asserting it compromises fundamental principles and could lead to societal anarchy by prioritizing personal gain over communal and spiritual values. They argued that as a Christian-majority state, Nagaland should differentiate itself by adhering to ethical decisions that respect God rather than following other states’ practices.
Highlighting the state’s economic struggles, the church leaders dismissed the notion that the NLTP Act is to blame for Nagaland’s revenue issues, describing such assertions as misleading. They stressed that ambition should not overshadow religious beliefs and cultural values, warning that ignoring these could result in significant social discord.
The statement, signed by NBCC functionaries including General Secretary Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho and representatives from 23 Member Associations, called for the government to heed both divine guidance and the public’s majority opinion. They also urged Baptist Churches in Nagaland to hold a day of collective prayer on August 25 concerning the issue.
Similarly, the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) reinforced the stance, faulting authorities for inadequate enforcement of the NLTP Act. The CBCC stated that lifting the prohibition would undermine efforts to maintain the Act and labeled it a failure to address broader regulatory issues. It urged the government not to ignore the church’s appeal, representing the majority’s voice in the democratic state.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/not-the-answer-assert-nbcc-entities-on-possible-revisit-of-nagalands-nltp-act
Category : Nagaland
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