At least nine people have died at Civil Hospital in Tuensang, Nagaland, following suspected consumption of spurious liquor, prompting the state police to issue a red alert and urge people to stay away from alcohol until the situation is clarified.
Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma issued the advisory on Sunday after receiving what he described as alarming information from Tuensang district. The deaths are suspected to be linked to toxic or illegally manufactured liquor, while an investigation is underway to establish the exact cause.
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The police chief specifically warned residents of Mon, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Shamator and Noklak districts against consuming liquor. He also appealed to people in other parts of the state to avoid alcohol as a precautionary measure until more details emerge.
The incident has brought renewed attention to Nagaland’s long-standing prohibition policy. The Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, came into force in 1990 with the stated objective of reducing alcohol-related social problems, including domestic violence and crime. The legislation was strongly backed at the time by church groups and civil society organisations.
However, more than three decades later, the effectiveness of the prohibition law has increasingly come under question. Discussions in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly have highlighted the growth of an illegal liquor market, including outlets operating under the cover of businesses such as cold drink and pan shops.
During a discussion on the health risks associated with spurious liquor, Advisor for Excise Moatoshi Longkumer told the Assembly that hundreds of illegal outlets were operating in Dimapur and Kohima. A survey reportedly identified more than 500 such outlets across Kohima’s 19 wards.
An Excise Department report placed before the Assembly also highlighted the dangers created by the absence of quality control in the illegal market. Adulterated and poor-quality liquor can cause serious health complications and deaths, particularly among young people.
Nagaland’s porous border with Assam has further complicated enforcement. According to the report, liquor trafficking networks have established bases in border areas such as Lahorijan, where the local economy has benefited from supplying alcohol into Nagaland.
The prohibition regime has also been linked to a rise in demand for cheaper and potentially more dangerous alternatives, including drugs and narcotics. At the same time, the state loses substantial excise revenue, while the tourism, hotel and hospitality sectors face restrictions.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has previously acknowledged the difficulty of enforcing a complete prohibition, saying the government can regulate and restrict the sale and movement of liquor but cannot entirely prevent individuals from drinking when demand continues to exist.
Several organisations, including the Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Council, have called for a rethink of the existing policy. They have suggested replacing total prohibition wi
