[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s a Naga youth, I feel inclined to share my opinion regarding the ongoing liquor prohibition debate, especially because I couldn’t help but notice a certain void at the heart of the issue and the current approaches to it.
Of late, there have been numerous articles and comments in the local dailies on this subject. As expected, religious organizations have expressed vociferous disapproval regarding the proposal to lift the ban. Similarly, intellectuals and concerned citizens have made their differing stands. Pros and cons have been weighted, ramifications and repercussions discussed, religious sentiments heard, economic feasibility probed, social implications indicated, popular opinion nearly formed, and all in all, the wheels of policy formulation have been set in motion. However, it is strange that, so far, the Naga youth (The biggest stakeholder!) seem to be indifferent towards the subject. The Naga youth, sluggish ever, haven’t even croaked (leave aside participating) throughout the entire debate! Does this lack of participation show a lack of inclination, or is this simply due to the absence of a proper medium to voice their opinion? In any case, apathy in youth is indicative of an unhealthy society. We, the future generation, must realize our responsibilities and our potential, lest tomorrow our children start blaming us for the inaction we show today.Coming to the issue at hand, I strongly feel that this debate over the NLPT Act of 1989 has been long overdue. In my opinion, regardless of the noble intentions behind the inception of NLPT Act, it was eventually doomed to fail. The proponents of NLPT, comprising mostly of religious organizations and NGOs, never realized any legal sanctions or the capacity or resources to fully implement it. So far, the point of the NLPT Act remains but in paper, for alcohol, albeit adulterated or smuggled, flows abundantly in every corner of Nagaland. Common sense and numerous historical instances from across the world show that such an Act is both impracticable and obsolete. To cite just one example: in America of the 1920s, the prohibition era led to much bootlegging, and gangsters such as Al Capone flourished—needless to say, there was no actual dearth of alcohol. Similarly, thanks to the NLPT Act Nagaland has got quite a few Al Capones of its own .Some ardent supporters have cited examples of states where liquor prohibition has been successfully implemented. I find such examples preposterous and misleading because the ground reality of those states says otherwise. I will not delve into the nitty gritty of how and why and what of this issue for it will be superfluous to do so when all evidence suggests lifting the ban as imperative. All in all, after considerable research and analysis of the history of liquor prohibition, I believe that regulation, and not prohibition is the key.
As for the current supporters of NLPT, it wouldn’t be unfair to say that most of their reasons, however ‘noble’, are either archaic or dogmatic. In fact, some were disturbingly unrestrained and denigrative towards other religion while some reeked of dictatorial tones and fanatical hues and I have no hope of lamenting them adequately. Most of all, there has been much talk about the degradation of morals and values that lifting of the ban would bring along. Again, these people seem unable to understand that what they are fighting for is a hollow regulation since alcohol is freely available across Nagaland, and widely consumed regardless of age, gender, or class. So, such preconceived ‘ramifications’ are unfounded and lifting the ban should not be viewed as an impending doom. On the other hand, lifting the ban could instill some positive measures in the status quo. Firstly, people wouldn’t have to resort to adulterated liquor. In this regard, awareness must be spread about moderation, of the ill-effects of adulterated or local liquor, and of alcohol in general. Moreover, this could give the economy a much needed boost. The state could make use of all the revenue which is currently being lost to the black market. Once again, the key is to remember that in practice the NLPT Act is but a joke and that we might as well accept the fact and take measures to improve the current situation. The church, on its part, should not interpret it as losing influence over the masses or in any negative way. If the ban is ever lifted, it will be because the Act is pointless and impractical, because ‘CLEAN’ liquor is better than adulterated liquor, and because it is the right thing to do.
Also, one has to understand that the NLTP Act is a state matter, and thus, it is outside the domain of the church regardless of what anyone might think. But alas! in Nagaland, dragging religion and Christ unnecessarily into every issue has become de rigueur . As stressed before; history shows that liquor prohibition is pointless and impractical. Yet, the supporters of NLTP continue to be adamant, and religion remains one of their key arguments. Moreover, it seems that these people have a tendency to forget that ours is a secular nation, wherein religion is a matter of choice and religious laws are secondary to those laid by the Constitution.
In conclusion, I applaud the present government’s decision to call for a review of the NLTP Act. It is an audacious move especially in a predominantly Christian state where fanatics abound. Now, the ball is in the legislators’ court. Yet, given all the hue and cry, it is necessary to raise a sane countering voice, and herein, the Naga youth can play a big role. Otherwise, it is quite likely that the government would succumb to the propaganda of NLTP backers and once again, we will be back to square one. This, then, is a call to the citizens of Nagaland to unite in the name of reason and demand the dissolution of the NLTP Act.
Kuknalim!
O M Jami (O Mhathung Jami)
H.No-82 Forest Colony, Kohima
