James Angami
I must say that Nagaland is becoming more and more interesting to live in, with all the unexpected surprises, things taking place now and then, here and there. I would like to share about 2 issues that is in my mind for quite sometime.
1. Liquor prohibition: Although the prohibition act has been in existence for the last more then ten years the parties involved in demanding the act (and also the govt. machinery) has failed miserably in implementing the same practically. With good intention the Act was demanded and the bill passed by the Legislative Assembly, but if we are to be frank we must admit that it has not only failed but have made things worse.
People still continue to drink and one can easily get alcohol anywhere and at anytime. The worst is that the alcohol that is available today is mostly spurious and more damaging to one’s health (irrespective of the amount consumed). Not only is it affecting the user’s physical and mental health but the prohibition has also affected the values of many hardworking Christians by way of bootlegging, corruption through bribes which has become a source of easy money and honesty. I personally know of many pious Sunday churchgoers who have become filthy rich through all these.
Recently I came to know through a very reliable source ( a restaurant owner) that most restaurants selling alcohol pay an amount of Rs. 1000 plus one case each of rum and whisky to the concerned law enforcing agency every month (this may not be visible to the higher ups though). Big shot wholesalers also say they have to pay huge amounts to different parties while transporting the consignment. Now, taking into account all these, it is no wonder that a person who draws a few thousand as salary per month easily shoots up to luxury in a couple of months (more so with the retail and wholesalers). A lot of money gained from this trade also goes as donations for noble causes or as tithes too! Well?
2. Moral policing: I believe it is important for each of us to study, evaluate ourselves before we act or try to force others to change. Everyone does not agree or see eye to eye on the same thing and also just because a person has authority does not mean he or she can force others to change. We are living in a fast world where tremendous changes are taking place daily and we Nagas are also somehow advancing in various little ways.
I very well understand the concern that elders have for our youngsters today, but I personally feel that it is not fair to take away the few source of recreational activities or fun by threat or by force. (I am referring to the banning of discos, parties etc by certain faction). I don agree that a check on limits of such events has to be there and if at all the events are too rowdy then discipline needs to be taken It will be more worthwhile to keep a check on all above mentioned evils so as to make Nagaland a safer place for all to live in. Enforcing rules of dos and don’ts will never help but only make things worse. Whether to become a better person or not lies in oneself. It is after all a matter of individual choice.
I sincerely think that it is high time for us all to go back to the drawing board and re-evaluate the decisions made in the past, see whether it is feasible or should be discontinued or modified in whatever way. We have already made ourselves a laughing stock through the prohibition act. Let us not make it worse. In conclusion I would like to add that these are all my personal views and it is also not directed to certain parties as a whole.
