Church leaders deliberate on effective implementation of NLTP Act, 1989

Dimapur, Dec. 16 (EMN): Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Churches Council (NBCC) and chairman of Joint Christian Forum Nagaland (JCFN), Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, has mooted the need for churches to work together with experts, civil societies and government to scientifically and effectively implement the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989.

Keyho stated this in his keynote address at the consultative meeting-cum-pre Christmas programme jointly organised by Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) and Joint Christian Forum Nagaland (JCFN) on December 15 at Bethesda Higher Secondary School at Walford colony in Dimapur.

The programme was held on the theme ‘Heal Nagaland.’ He urged the churches to collaborate with various stakeholders to develop practical strategies in order to implement the Act effectively, an update from CFD stated.

Keyho also admitted that the government and the church have failed to act upon the Act systematically and effectively. He urged the church to take criticism positively and constructively. He further stated that a time has come for all especially the churches, government, civil society organisations to work together and ‘translate the dream of the people to a reality.’

Former deputy commissioner of Dimapur Moangwati Aier stated that Nagaland is not the only state in India under liquor prohibition and those states are ‘performing better because they have stringent measures and laws where defaulters are severely punished.’

Director of CIHSR, Dr. Sedevi Angami presented alcohol hazards and its effects on individuals and the society. He has warned of future consequences on children and youth if the prohibition is lifted.

In order to effectively implement the Act, Sedevi stated that a society needs to have good governance, dynamic leadership at the local and state level.

He also suggested the churches to have proper curriculum for spiritual and social activities. He has further advocated ‘non-discriminatory’ approach in teaching the children and youth in order to gradually overcome the issue of tribalism.

Rev. James Ngullie briefed the initiatives, activities and various programmes conducted by various churches in response to the NLTP Act, while Yanbemo Lotha highlighted the various youth related issues, challenges and how to respond positively to resolve the issues by various churches in the state. He further stated that churches in Nagaland are focusing on outside mission rather than helping the unemployed youth in the state.

The consultative meeting cum pre-Christmas programme was organised with an objective to discuss various issues particularly church response to NLTP Act of 1989, unemployment and youth issues in Nagaland, and present political situation in Nagaland.