The ongoing debate about the Nagaland government’s proposal to revisit the NLTP Act has sparked a maelstrom of discussions on social media, with opinions sharply divided on whether to repeal or retain the ban. Before arriving at a conclusion, it’s imperative to meticulously examine the pros and cons, merits and demerits, and eschew the pitfalls of one-sided biases. Both spiritual leaders and the general public must acknowledge the limitations of their perspectives and strive to understand the ground realities.
The notion that lifting the ban on alcohol will inevitably lead to rampant alcoholism is a narrow and misguided assumption. The availability of alcohol does not dictate an individual’s choice to consume it. In fact, if the ban is lifted, only licensed wine shops will operate, subject to stringent regulations and routine quality checks, thereby eliminating the scourge of adulterated and spurious liquors that pose significant health risks.
The current ban has manifestly failed to restrict alcohol availability, with liquor shops proliferating in every nook and corner, including remote villages. Pan shops and private homes sell alcohol with reckless abandon, disregarding age limits and prioritising profits over responsibility. Moreover, pubs and discotheques operate clandestinely, with easy access to alcohol at all hours, brazenly flouting the ban.
A visit to Lahorjan, a mere stone’s throw from Nagaland Gate, will reveal the stark reality of Naga youngsters and adults alike indulging in alcohol-fueled revelry, laying bare the ban’s ineffectiveness.
Let us adopt a holistic approach, considering the broader implications of lifting or retaining the ban, rather than clinging to preconceived notions. We must study the issue comprehensively and refrain from coercing or pressuring others. The recent threat of ‘Fasting unto death’ by some organisations if the act is repealed is an extreme and one-sided stance, inviting ridicule and undermining constructive dialogue. Let us entrust our lawmakers with the wisdom to make an informed decision, rather than resorting to hostile mudslinging.
H. Akato Sema
Ikishe village
5th mile Chumukedima