Kohima: The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) wants a full review of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989. The demand follows the deaths of three people in Longpayimsen village between October 15 and 16. Officials suspect methanol poisoning. The MTLT wants elected representatives to address this crisis in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly "without fear or favour."
The organization is not seeking an immediate repeal of the law. Instead, they want an honest assessment of how the Act performs. They argue that the current policy pushes illicit activity underground, creating new dangers for residents. The MTLT leadership, including President Imnaonen Pongen and General Secretary Moarenba Ozukum, noted that the state has a constitutional duty to protect human life under Article 21. They claim that relying on enforcement alone has failed to stop the flow of tainted alcohol.
Authorities must act. The group also demanded an update on a May 8, 2026, incident at Sewak Gate, Mokokchung. Police seized 15,824 empty McDowell’s rum bottles during a vehicle check, but the investigation status remains unclear. The MTLT wants to know if those bottles were destined for an illegal distillery.
Public safety is at stake. The group warned consumers to avoid unverified liquor and cautioned against turning to narcotics as a substitute. They fear a repeat of the drug crisis seen in the 1990s. The MTLT insists that the government, Church, and civil society must stop clinging to old stances and focus on evidence-based policy to save lives.
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