[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his becomes an intractable agenda. We talk about success and failure of liquor prohibition in different parts of the world. However, unlike circumstances of prohibiton in other places, Nagaland has a unique context which many of our younger generation will not be aware of. The Act is the result of a collective conscientious conviction of the Church with civil society and the legislators of the state. Therefore, Nagaland total prohibition has a bearing of biblical principle, socio-moral deliverance and economic salvation at backdrop. The issue of liquor prohibition relates to promotion of morality, spirituality, socio-ethics, and value of human life.
Who is Responsible for Failure of the Act?
Equally and collectively we are all responsible. Failure is a sign of our immaturity level regarding side effect of alcoholism. We talk against it but we never make an effort to eradicate it. There are many better substitutes to replace liquor. Christians will become aware of liquor evil through biblical teaching and studies in churches, and other healthy and educative attitudes towards value of life. The Bible proves that our bodies are the temples of God.Legally, Prohibition has become a custody of the government with the enactment of prohibition at the assembly. But, as children follow what parents do, public follow what our leaders do. It would have been successful if everybody owns an ownership of cleanliness of our land. Liquor has become a matter of curiosity when it has the tag of prohibition.
Theories of Mechanism
Different suggestions, devices and modalities are expressed towards lifting of the NTLP Act. For example, some talk about restriction of and limiting liquor shops, issuing adult license, control and regulation of time, counselling and psycho-education, discipline of drink, medical ground and keeping them away from educational environment. However, all this may become theory and may not be practical when the wind irresistibly inundates and blows across the land.
What If Prohibition is Lifted? ...
(1) It will not adversely affect mature and conscientious people.
(2) It will become cheap and available in every nook and corner with no legal tension.
(3) It may do away with issue of debate of production of spurious or quality liquid.
(4) It may minimize the syndicate of monopoly and patronization of liquor flow.
(5) It may bring bounty of revenue to the state and thereby flourishing business.
(6) It will become legal and there is no issue of black market and underhand business.
(7) It will become a matter of conscience of right and wrong in choice of people.
(8) Society will become more aware, alert, defensive and active in saving ministry.
(9) Role of conscience will become a matter Broadway vs Narrow way.
(10) It will become a process of public education itself about alcoholic influence.
(11) It will symbolize and represent the forbidden fruit at Eden garden.
(12) Our land will recover after a pathetic loss of one generation. Are we
prepared?
Calculating the Scenario of Lift ...
Let us be optimistic. However, let us also be realistic and practical of our future. The Church will not cease its spiritual ministry. However, imagining the scenario of the aftermath of lift. The condition of our society will turn out different because liquor influence does not care of human value and public sanctity. It will penetrate into every sphere of social life. Serially:
(1) Imagine the picture and atmosphere of our streets with deluge of liquor.
(2) Think of academic performance in our schools from broken homes.
(3) Think of the attitude of our leaders and bureacrats in public dealings.
(4) Think of our hospitals and health centers with alcoholic casualties.
(5) Think of public drivers and operators under liquor influence.
(6) Think of the safety of our women in streets and public points.
(7) Think of the fragmented behavior and conduct of youth.
(8) Think of atmosphere of our hotels and restaurants.
(9) Think of crowded police lockups and police stations.
(10)Think of public premises on Decem 24-25 and January 1.
(11)Think of diverted attention of our doctors and nurses.
(12)Think of intensified role of police.
(13)Will it not touch the nerve of our political aspiration and spirit of
patriotism?
Simple Logics - Advantange of Tightened Total Ban
It is the index of Nagaland as a land of Christian populace.
It gives legal awareness and legitimacy of liquor as a root of social evil.
It is life (body, soul and spirit) saving act which is more than revenue (Luke
9:25).
We will not regret consequence of irreparable and debacle eventuality. Providing a sentinel is better than setting a deadfall and death trap.
An Opinion and Appeal
Targetting something will attract curiosity and bring revival. But the result of silence is a natural death. Liquor and social evils we target now will all die away when our people become mature and conscientious, and discipline.
Analytically:
1. Liquor is a matter of social issue and awareness. Our civil society should focus more on responsibility of promoting civic sense, social discipline and trustworthy living instead blaming the Church and government.
2. Our spiritual institutions should explore relevant strategies and actively render effort to deliver the stuff of life value and worthiness of life to our generation.
3. Our families should promote Christian home, talk and practice Christian ethics in society.
4. Our school education should sensitize practical value and reformative dimension.
5. Our government should make effort to solve youth problem, provide public recreational facilities and strive towards excellence of education.
In front us, we have major agenda, namely, Naga national issue, Nagaland liquor prohibition agenda and the most important topic is ‘Will the Nagas inherit the mansion prepared by the Lord Jesus?’ Certainly the third one becomes the first issue since it can happen to you and me any time. Reading this article, a habitual drinker, supporters of lift and middle persons may like to make a change.
Phuveyi Dozo
