In a strong assertion of community-driven governance, the Darogapathar Village Council (DVC) has sealed 15 illegal liquor outlets and destroyed seized stock worth an estimated ₹2 lakh, intensifying the debate surrounding Nagaland’s liquor prohibition law.
The raids were conducted on November 22, 24 and 26, led by DVC members with support from youth and business organisations, under the supervision of the Goanburas. During these coordinated operations, the teams cracked down on vendors accused of repeatedly violating the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.
The seized liquor was publicly destroyed on Friday at 2½ Mile, Dimapur, in the presence of officials from the district administration, reinforcing the council’s zero-tolerance stance.
DVC chairman Ato Bizo said the council had issued notices two months ago, warning residents against selling liquor and advising homeowners not to shelter individuals involved in illicit trade. Despite the warnings, illegal sales continued, prompting the council to intervene.
Bizo criticised the state government, especially the Excise Department and police, for what he called a failure to enforce the NLTP Act. “The council was compelled to step in when enforcement agencies did not carry out their responsibilities,” he stated.
The crackdown comes at a critical moment, as the debate over lifting the prohibition law grows louder. The Naga Council Dimapur and the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation have recently questioned whether the NLTP Act has achieved its objectives or merely shifted liquor sales underground.
With Darogapathar’s bold action igniting fresh scrutiny of enforcement lapses, the prohibition debate in Nagaland appears poised to intensify in the coming weeks.
