Reports of victims succumbing after consuming spurious liquor is nothing new as such cases are being reported almost daily from across the country. What will surprise many though are the unreported cases of how increasing number of people in Nagaland are being made victims one way or the other through this deadly substance. The recent seizure made by the personnel of Dimapur East Police Station is both scary and clearly a threat to the safety of public health. It is evident by the outcome of the raid that we have a flourishing adulterated liquor trade going uninterrupted in the State. What should be noted here is that the raid conducted at Ellora Lane in Dimapur is just a tip in the iceberg. Further raids if at all undertaken will no doubt produce more damaging evidence.
In the past also several booze joints in the new market area were raided and such illegal practices of making spurious and adulterated IMFL were unearthed but those actions of the law enforcing agencies could not yield result. This is probably because to put an end to such evil practices the involvement of the common masses along with institutions like churches and non-governmental organizations can only produce the desired results. In the aftermath of the recent expose, both the State government and civil society groups must intervene if we are at all serious enough to put an end to this racket. The public at large needs to be educated on the problem. The Church is also the best platform to create awareness about the dangers posed by consumption of spurious liquor. Hopefully, the local churches in the State can take the lead in creating awareness on this problem through the Sunday Pulpit.
As far as the responsibility of the government goes, a firm hand must be shown to deal with such nefarious activities. The Excise Department and the police must be strictly told to go after the liquor mafias who are indulging in illicit and spurious liquor trade. This may require strong political will since a nexus with the high and powerful involved in these rackets cannot be ruled out. The arrest of a few non-locals and parading of seized items in the local newspaper is not enough to deter the real criminals. Public health safety cannot be compromised under any circumstances and therefore the urgency for the government to send a strong message that such practice is a serious criminal offense deserving severe punishment.
The Government should realize that illicit and spurious liquor causes considerable damage to the health and economic well being of the poor and the downtrodden people who are the worst affected. It has to be seen whether the authorities now turn a blind eye towards the ongoing illegalities or root out the deadly racket totally. Besides strictly enforcing the law, simultaneously the Information and Publicity wing of the government should take the initiative in launching a State-wide awareness campaign for sensitizing and educating the people on the evils of consuming illicit liquor. The local NGOs and churches can be roped in to assist the campaign. The local print media in the State can also lend a hand by promoting advertising campaign on the problem.
