The Speaking Mirror

Of spirituality and morality [dropcap]T[/dropcap]here was a time when paan shops and drinking joints closed down by themselves due to loss in business in many places. There was no government order or campaign of any sort. Nobody forced anyone. The church just preached. People understood and took the message and were transformed. That was Nagaland in 1970’s and early part of 80s when we were engulfed in revival fire. Secondly, as a child I remember seeing people standing in long queues during elections. There was no fighting. Booth capturing or ‘coup’ was never heard of. Buying and selling of votes was beyond imagination. Where have all the good senses gone now?Everyone knows alcohol is bad. Smoking kills. Tobacco is injurious. Fornication and adultery is evil. Gossiping is destructive. Corruption in work places is sin. In fact, on this subject matter, there are better preachers in the bars than on the pulpit! But we remain stubborn and love to indulge. Why? Because anything taboo is attractive - It is not science or theology; it is human nature. Stolen kisses are sweet. Nothing is more tempting or tastier than the forbidden fruit. And so many people are racing towards death with a confirmed ticket. The traffic is slow on the highway to destruction due to heavy jam! To disobey is inborn in men; the first sin which began in Eden. The problem with our people today is DISOBEDIENCE. What we need now is a little bit of ‘obedience’ and all these Prohibition act and Clean Election Campaign will work or won’t be necessary. However, true lasting ‘obedience’ comes from within through “spiritual rebirth” and “intellectual refinement.” In fact when it comes to integrity, many atheists will beat believers. Salvation of the soul is another matter though. And when a man goes through these “refining processes” he will develop a sense of “shame and regret.” We call it conscience. All these corruptions and what not will gradually decrease when the lawbreakers get A FEELING of SHAME and REGRET for their misdeeds. So, in my opinion, spiritual and moral ethics are something to be preached and taught and not otherwise. Allen Imsong Billy Graham Road, Kohima   Give total prohibition a chance! [dropcap]F[/dropcap]rom time to time, various individuals have been articulating views over NLTP Act 1989 and recently it has acquired the status of being the most vociferously debated subject in Nagaland. All the arguments whether it is in support or against the act are to be appreciated without prejudice and I am of the opinion that, such healthy debate would elicit better understanding of the subject matter and increase more chance of discovering the right perspective. There are many individuals, organizations and especially the Churches under NBCC who solemnly endorse the total prohibition. On the other hand there are some others who are skeptical of the act and are of the view that it should be revised/amended while on the extreme there are people who wish to annul the act all together. It is not my intention to blame upon anyone in particular for the dismal implementation of the NLTP 1989 but going by the flourishing liquor joints and abundance of alcohol in our ‘dry state’, it leaves us with pertinent questions such as Why? How? Where? Who is responsible for such an affair? Is the State Government, the implementing agency ready to concede defeat to the bootleggers? Can the responsible authority with clear conscience declare that, the act is being implemented on war footing? It is my sincere plea to the responsible authority to firstly show total commitment, exploring innovative ways and means to counteract the inimical factors deterring successful implementation of the act. Giving into pressure for lifting the act at this juncture would surely be a premature decision. Conscious of my insufficient expertise yet yielding to the strong urge, I would like to suggest some measures towards strengthening the act, such as: 1. Special empowerment to the Village council/ G.Bs/ Students’ Union/Women Organization etc… for active and effective vigilance to curb the violators of the act. 2. Abuse of alcohol and its harmful affects to be incorporated compulsorily in the school text books/syllabi. 3. Immediate prohibition of use of alcohol in the government official parties which are not covered by special exemption clause of the NLTP Act 1989. In the conclusion, I would like to clearly state that, the clergies/ NBCC and all those in support of the act of which I am one do not believe that, successful implementation of the total prohibition in Nagaland would lead us to heaven nor do we derive consolation and seek self righteousness in perpetuating the act. Rather this is indeed a great challenge before the Naga people and particularly the lawmakers and leaders from all walks of life, calling for prudence in making a choice. Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema