Kohima: The All Sümi Students’ Union raided shops surrounding Zunheboto schools on October 3. They acted after a 72-hour ultimatum regarding illegal sales expired. The union previously detected prohibited goods during an educational and health center tour on September 30. They pushed for immediate closures and strict enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act of 1989.
Officials from the Department of Excise and Prohibition joined the union for an initial sweep near the Government Higher Secondary School. They found illegal liquor and seized it. The union also demanded enforcement of Section 6 of the COTPA Act of 2003, which bans tobacco sales within 100 metres of any educational institution.
The union warned of further action if authorities ignored their demands. When the deadline passed, the students took matters into their own hands. They found more booze and tobacco products during their follow-up inspection. Union members destroyed the seized items on the spot. Shop owners and the public watched as the goods were smashed.
The group remains vigilant. The union stated, "The union reiterated that it would not remain a silent spectator to the sale of liquor and tobacco around educational institutions and stated that it would continue to take necessary action within the law to safeguard the interests of students and the public." They plan to keep monitoring these areas to protect local students.
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