A viral CCTV video has shifted public discourse in Nagaland from questions over the conduct of student organisations to the implementation of the state’s liquor prohibition law. The controversy centres on Katho P Awomi, Finance Secretary of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), against whom Dimapur Police have reportedly registered a First Information Report (FIR) following a complaint by the proprietor of Prysm Lounge. The controversy began after CCTV footage of the incident on June 30 circulated widely on social media, purportedly showing Awomi holding what appeared to be a baseball bat and smashing glassware inside Prysm Lounge.
The allegations gained further traction after a document, containing a resolution adopted by the Dimapur Restaurant Union (DRU), also circulated online. The resolution referred to voluntary financial contributions by restaurant owners to the NSF, prompting allegations that the student body had been collecting money from businesses. However, both Prysm Lounge proprietor Tito Yepthomi, who is also president of the Dimapur Restaurant Union, and the NSF have denied allegations of extortion.
In a clarification, Yepthomi stated that the NSF neither demanded nor solicited financial contributions from restaurant owners, stating that the viral video ‘have been misinterpreted’ and that it does ‘not reflect the true facts.’ According to him, members of the restaurant fraternity themselves resolved during a meeting on June 28 to voluntarily contribute Rs 5,000 each as a gesture of goodwill towards the federation. The NSF also issued a clarification on Friday in a detailed statement, stating that it does ‘not condone any act of vandalism, intimidation, violence or conduct that is inconsistent with the principles and values for which the NSF stands.’ The federation further stated that it was ‘surprising and deeply concerning’ that some individuals continued to portray the issue as one of extortion despite a public clarification issued by the president of the DRU. The NSF argued that public attention should instead focus on the continued operation of bars and lounges allegedly serving alcohol despite the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act remaining in force.
The federation questioned how establishments openly serving alcohol continue to function and called upon enforcement agencies to explain under what legal provisions such businesses are allowed to operate. The NSF also called upon the competent civil and law enforcement authorities to explain what measures have been taken to ensure effective implementation of the NLTP Act and to address any reported violations. The federation relieved Awomi of his duties from the office till such time the matter is resolved.
Civil society organisations have weighed in on the incident, with the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) condemning the alleged vandalism and intimidation. The DUCCF demanded that authorities disclose the categories of licences under which such establishments are operating and cancel licences issued to businesses found violating the law. The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) announced that Awomi would not be associated with any of its programmes or official activities until the police investigation is concluded.
The ANCSU reiterated its long-standing demand for strict implementation of the NLTP Act, urging authorities to shut down bars, restaurants and nightclubs allegedly involved in the sale or consumption of alcohol. The union warned that failure on the part of the concerned authorities to act decisively against such unlawful establishments will leave ANCSU with no alternative but to initiate any befitting democratic measures to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and public accountability is maintained.
