Nagaland: In a major operation conducted under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, the Excise Department on March 20 destroyed a large consignment of seized liquor worth approximately ₹9 lakh in the Zunheboto district.
According to officials, a total of 1,635 bottles—comprising rum, beer cans, and whisky—were destroyed by burning them in a designated pit. This seized stock, which had accumulated over time from various cases, was valued at approximately ₹8.90 lakh.
Katohho Sumi, Chairman of the Destruction Committee and Joint Commissioner of Excise, stated that the effective enforcement of liquor prohibition laws requires collective responsibility. He emphasized that it is unfair to place the entire burden solely upon the Excise Department.
Highlighting the operational challenges faced by the department, Sumi pointed to a shortage of staff but affirmed that the department would continue to discharge its duties with full dedication. He appealed to civil society organizations, community leaders, and the general public to actively cooperate in the efforts to enforce these laws.
The destruction of the liquor was carried out in the presence of senior officials, in strict adherence to all legal protocols; these officials included Vithoselie Terhuja, Deputy Commissioner of Excise (Enforcement), and L. Hevito Zhimomi, Superintendent of Excise, Zunheboto.
Officials confirmed that the entire stock stored in the Excise Malkhana (storehouse) has been destroyed and removed from official records in accordance with the provisions of the Act, thereby reaffirming the department’s unwavering commitment to curbing illicit liquor activities within the district.
