Panel to look into prohibition Act in Nagaland

Kohima, Mar 30 (UNI) Nagaland Government has set up a committee to look into the matter of Prohibition of IMFL Act, 1989 for ensuring effective implementation of the Act, official sources said here today.

Replying to a Cut Motion on the Demand for Grants, in the ultimate day of the Budget Session yesterday, state Excise Minister T M Lotha said representatives from Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and Naga Mothers' Association (NMA) were also included in the committee.

He said there were some loopholes in the Act, the Department was contemplating to bring an amendment.

Mr Lotha admitted that the department was losing huge revenue for the prohibition and said the government could not make a partial lift of the Act due to sharp reactions of the church organisations.

Replying to a question of Congress legislator Chuba Chang, Mr Lotha said despite declared a 'Dry State', liquor is available in every nook and corner of the state due to its huge demand.

However, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said it was not possible for the government to set up a Parliamentary Committee and urged upon the members to wait for the report.

UNI