Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised a Nagaland delegation he would bring the state's push to end the Protected Area Permit regime to the Union Cabinet and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton confirmed the meeting on Thursday at his Dimapur residence. The delegation included Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and various cabinet members.
Shah told the group he cannot act alone on the request. He needs to consult the Prime Minister and other cabinet members first. If the state secures the lift, officials will then finalize a new monitoring mechanism to manage border security and tourism. Patton said the state cabinet would handle the specifics once the current regime dissolves.
Patton also addressed the recent liquor-related deaths in Tuensang. He called the event “very unfortunate” and promised that the state will hunt down and arrest everyone involved in selling the illegal alcohol. He warned youth to stay away from local spirits, claiming that 80 to 90 percent of the supply is adulterated.
The Deputy Chief Minister faces a tough road regarding the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act. While he personally favors a partial or total end to the ban, he expects heavy pushback from the Nagaland Baptist Church Council. Patton noted the cabinet must eventually make a firm call on the law, even if church leaders fight the change.
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