Dr. Asangba Tzudir
Prior to the coming of the NLTP Act of 1989, the some American Baptist missionaries way back in the early part of 1890s ‘enforced prohibition’ and even barred church members that indulged in drinking from coming to Church. Till today, the debate in various forms and circles continues centered on whether to lift or enforce prohibition.
Going by the contents of the NLTP Act especially on the legal implications, it is so much more than simply trying to curb the flow of liquor which itself is a humongous task, a fact attested by the present realities, and not to mention the word ‘Total’ in the legal sense of the term as envisaged in the NLTP Act.
There are quite a lot of aspects confronting the debate wherein the economic concerns seem to outweigh the other aspects. However, another important aspect is the ‘fear’ factor. A genuine fear and also the focal point was very rightly shared by one of the panellist during a recently held Conversation centered on whether the NLTP Act should continue, that, “we do not have the mechanisms to either ban or lift the prohibition.” It speaks volumes about the various challenges. However, the nature of the debate is such that it creates a dilemma as to which way the mechanism should be worked out and prepared, if at all the Act has to be either lifted or (re)enforced.
Further, on the aspect of the fear, it is exhibited by the Churches led by NBCC in general, which is the fear of the social issues and concerns, of lives claimed by drinking alcohol, and the societal breakdown. However, another form of fear seems to have silenced them when it demands for moving out of the four walls of the comfort zone. Another aspect of the fear is the ‘what if’ if prohibition is lifted. Will lifting lead to more drinkers and bring more damaging effects to the society? There is another fear generated through the ‘politics of imaging’ where Nagaland as a Christian state seems to hold dear in the context of the Christian image so also the imagery of Liquor shops in the highways of Nagaland. Well, there is a lot of cleansing and soul search to do beginning with the cleansing of hypocrisy.
As the opinions and views are debated across on various lines – “to be or not to be” one has to acknowledge the very nature of humans going to any extent to fulfil ones desire at any cost. However, as someone aptly puts it, “Liquor is not a sin but we need to keep our body clean and healthy.” Maybe the point is not about enforcing or lifting but calls for a collective responsibility of giving conscientious education on keeping the body clean and healthy.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com.)
