Taking congnizance of the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU)’s ultimatum, the excise department decided to curb the flow of liquor in the state by forming a “dedicated committee”.
The committee will be headed by deputy commissioner (narcotics cell) S Chanlei Angh as its convenor.
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This was decided at an emergency meeting called by the department at the excise directorate here on Monday, Dimapur excise commissioner Tarep Imchen said in a statement.
The students’ body set a seven-day deadline to the authorities with effect from February 22 to close down all liquor shops and outlets and thoroughly check flow of liquor in Dimapur.
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council also expressed concern over the alarming spurt in number of adulterated liquor dens and outlets.
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The council said the existence of excise department in the state had become “questionable” and a “mockery in itself”.
Monday’s meeting was attended by adviser to excise, sericulture and minority affairs Zhaleo Rio, excise secretary Orenphomo Kikon and senior departmental officers.
Addressing the meeting, Rio said he noted the union’s ultimatum with all seriousness and affirmed to take immediate action.
He described the ultimatum as a wakeup call for the department.
He also took note of the difficulties faced by the department while executing the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act.
He sought active participation of all stakeholders, including NGOs, police and administration to curb the liquor menace and said it should be a “people’s movement”.
Rio felt that the department should be modernised and equipped with adequate logistics and arms to face security threats from “elemental forces”.