Who has placed a ban on alcohol in Nagaland through Prohibition Act? Who has endorsed the state policy on alcohol and fought for it tooth and nail? Who has supported and raised its voice in line with the state government? The state government, the NBCC, Various frontal organizations and NGO’s has collectively stood for total prohibition of alcohol in Nagaland declaring it to be a ‘dry state’.
The picture of our society in reality is totally different. The ‘as if/ invisible’ but abundant circulation of Alcohol in our so called dry state is a grim reality which calls for serious thinking and analysis by its concerned denizens. On the one hand we have the written declaration of prohibition of liquor in Nagaland. On the other hand we have the unwritten support and patronizing policy towards it. Complete ban on alcohol is beautifully set in black and white. But it is a thriving business in our society. We should know how to read and interpret signboards outside some hotels and restaurants in Nagaland which says COLD DRINKS AVAILABLE
Time and again the excise department has raided certain booze joints here and there. However alcohol continues to flow into our state through several means. How does alcohol continue to freely flow in our state. A few raids here and a few checkings there cannot brainwash the common people into thinking that all’s well at your end.
This paradox is a matter of great shame and betrayal of trust of the common people on those in authority. If you have passed the Prohibition Act, let it be so both in letter and spirit no matter what. If you think it is impossible to enforce such an Act, why be the laughing stock of the general populace? If the Prohibition Act was meant to be enforced partially let it be so known to all. If it was a namesake venture for someone’s pleasure or made to please somebody let it be revealed. No one profits really. Should it be revoked?
Some months back the DMC (Dimapur Municipal Council) had reinforced the prohibition Act within its jurisdiction. The NSCN’s also had called for ban on sale of alcohol. We are hoping for some positive change in our society at least through the sustained collective efforts of the law enforcing organizations.
Dr. Hukashe Zhimomi
Director, Aloino Centre
