Nagaland has been a dry state since 1989 following the enactment of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act which was passed under pressure from churches, NMA and the civil societies due to rising social issues related to alcohol abuse. Over three decades later, discussions about lifting/revisiting the NLTP Act have been tabled to be discussed in the upcoming Assembly session.
My opinion on the potential outcome of the situation following the decision in the Assembly, can be any one as below:
1) Lifting the Prohibition: The state Assembly may pass a Bill to lift the prohibition. This could lead to protests from churches and others. However, the government might ultimately succeed in implementing the change.
2) Status Quo Maintained: The Act may not be lifted, resulting in continued partial restrictions as it is now. This scenario could be embarrassing for all. The people may lose more faith in the Church as well as in the govt. although this may not be a new thing.
3) Strengthened Enforcement: The Act might remain in place with intensified enforcement although this may remain for some time only. This could lead to an increase in the sale of spurious liquor, exacerbating health issues and economic costs due to restricted sales. The situation will be far worse than the very reason why the ACT was enacted in the first place. We can expect our own version of Hooch tragedy and an increase in mortality and morbidity from alcohol use disorders.
I personally favour the NLTP Act to continue. However, if prohibition is lifted, there may not be significant increase in the alcohol related health issues. On the contrary, alcohol users may benefit as spurious liquor consumption will be decreased significantly.
In such a scenario, the Church can continue to play a significant role in addressing alcohol related problems within a community through various strategies and initiatives like Education and Awareness Workshops and seminars for church leaders as well as for its congregation.
Integration of spiritual and psychological approaches through counselling will have a significant impact on those seeking spiritual healing alongside recovery.
I believe the best counsellor to deal with a person with alcohol related disorder is a trained councillor with a spiritual background. After all, the time a person repents is often when the person is physically and spiritually at their lowest.
Dr. Kahuka Sema
Family Health Clinic Hospital
Dimapur