Dr Asangba Tzudir
Based on the “leaked Cabinet doc on NLTP” which pushes for a “selective partial relaxation”, various Church bodies led by NBCC have once again voiced out various concerns urging “government to heed public and spiritual voices” adding that ‘it’ is “not the answer,” and going to the extent of saying, “will have no option but fast unto death.” These are not simply emotional outbursts but one that has a historical context premised on struggles, pain and suffering.
However, considering the ground realities today, the NLTP Act is a farce, yet, the debate still continues – to lift or to enforce? Now apart from the Church, there hardly is any voice from civil society organizations and also student bodies. Considering the importance of the issue, it is time for the general public to really own the issue responsibly and study the various undercurrents and the rippling effects so that gradually it will grow into a real debate instead of the stray opinions dominated by the case of revenue.
Now, about the proposal for ‘partial lifting’ which has been the Nagaland governments’ alternative approach for some time now, one would wonder whether it is ‘seasonal’ or ‘occasional’ or for National and International tourists or for everyone according to festivals in a land of festivals, festivities and merrymaking. While the modalities of the ‘partial lifting’ is not clear, or how it will move beyond the written resolutions, if at all, yet the question is what difference will it make, though this is seen as the best alternative to the debate. However, the contention is such that for whichever way, be it lifting or enforcing, the state is not prepared either way, and therefore not ready. In context, the state lacks the mechanism either to enforce or lift, whilst between the two, it will be ‘enforcing’ which is next to impossible.
On the other side of the debate, far beyond the imaging of a ‘lifted’ situation there are genuine concerns as attested by the context of history. Yet, the questions remains - Will lifting lead to more drinkers and bring more damaging effects to the society? Issues worth considering are - the psycho-social aspect; the behavior and pattern of drinking alcohol; the interrelated businesses like sex racket, brothels and prostitution; domestic violence; physical abuse on women including rape; the incidences of crime and violence in the society; drunken driving and deaths caused, etc.
While the concern of the Church is genuine, the premise on which the concern is located needs to relocate. While, it is difficult to accept that changes through laws is always possible, the Church also needs to relocate its concern in ‘spaces’ where it can really apply and exercise its ‘mandate.’ However, in the seeming, State vrs. the Church debate, the debate has remained redundant and calls upon every citizens to own the issue and debate within its warranted merit. The issues surrounding the NLTP Act is not just the responsibility of the Church alone. It should start from the family as the primary institution where teaching and learning begins.
Having said that, and also going beyond debates, why not fully lift the NLTP Act just to see wherever it leads. Couple of months will be enough to take a pragmatic position.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes guest editorials for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
