The All Sümi Students' Union (SKK) has given law-enforcement agencies 72 hours to close illegal liquor outlets in and around Zunheboto district, after a joint inspection with the Excise department led to seizures near a government school.

During its ongoing educational tour across Sümi-inhabited areas, an SKK team visited Government Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto, on Wednesday. The team reportedly found liquor shops operating in and around the institution. It then carried out a joint inspection with the Excise and Prohibition Department, Zunheboto.

Liquor and tobacco products were seized and handed over to the department. The haul included 23 cans of Kingfisher beer, 16 bottles (180 ml) of McDowell's liquor and eight packets of Shikhar tobacco. The department will dispose of the items after a court order is issued.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, SKK General Secretary P. Samuel Chophy said the union would maintain "zero tolerance" toward liquor shops operating in the district, especially near educational institutions.

In its ultimatum, the SKK called the sale of liquor near schools a direct threat to students' safety, discipline and well-being. It demanded strict enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, and of Section 6 of the COTPA Act, 2003, which bars the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions.

The union warned that if authorities fail to act within 72 hours, it will take "further democratic and lawful" action. It said it "will not remain a silent spectator" while illegal activities operate around schools.

The SKK also voiced concern over the wider toll of alcohol across the Naga homeland, saying excessive consumption has cost lives and affected families and communities.