It is pertinent to note that most of the time the State Government act as puppet to various organizations including the NBCC. Nagas being diverse in nature have many impediment either it be for development or for any other progress. This pandemonium in nature of Nagas has drastically hammered the peaceful co-existence in various ways thereby inviting unsuitable atmosphere of criticism and nepotism among brothers and sisters. In the present context, the issue of 'Prohibition' has blown out of proportion. The Churches particularly the NBCC on one side and the others including the Government on the other end, but both seems critical to come into consensus. .
Frankly speaking, as a Church leader, situation has compelled oneself to speak against the lifting of prohibition not just because drinking wine is forbidden but mostly to get social impression before the world. Hence, that does not mean the Church leaders have to takes its congregation to go against the policy maker of the State Government etc, nor make a bully for that matter against any particular agency. Meanwhile, to address the prohibition by taking it outside the Church in the form of rallying or threatening to go against the State Government is beyond its jurisdiction and not wise at all as a Christian, because, the Bible do not prohibit drinking nor prohibit of making wine. Rather, the Bible preaches of its adverse and side effect of physical, mental and spiritual destruction which needs to be reiterate and sermonize by the Church leaders to its congregation in order to stay away from drinking.
"Prohibition" or declaring 'Dry State' is a failure which needs no elaboration. Our law enforcing agencies have its own share of IMFL supply for its own cadre for consumption and on the other hand, our security forces, which they call themselves as "Friends of the hill peoples", have their own supply for their consumption or sale to the general public who are well known to them. The administration cannot be blame for its failure as because, the consumption of liquor mostly by a good number of Christian among elite societies of Nagas is neither less nor their preferential brand of Liquor can be undervalue. Hence, to drink or not to drink is purely the prerogative of an individual rights and suppressing the rights of a person is also against the law of land.
Considering the fact that NBCC is the pioneer of Naga Christian State, they had been given an opportune without any opposition from any other denomination to represent the Churches of Nagas in various religious affairs, however, in a times NBCC have open the pandarabox on issue like 'Prohibition' and divulge its brassbound attitude. Does NBCC means that by imposing prohibition will lead all Nagas to eternal life? Or does it meant to profess its shortcoming if prohibition is lifted? Our dear NBCC leaders, can you smell Liquor in every loops and comers of the State? When our law enforcing agency indulge themselves in drinking, what more can we expect from them? What is your contribution in enforcing prohibition when you found it a total failure from the State machineries? Is it not like a stray dog barking at a pedestrian?
The questions of effecting State -exchequer in terms of earning revenue is secondary and also to save the live of a person or maintain its longevity by imposing prohibition is ridiculous and contradictory with the Bible.
Therefore, it is the question of NBCC whether can they produce Liquor tree generation without indulging or interfering much in the business of the State politic? Let us not try to deceive ourselves to gain the world by destroying our eternal life, rather restrain from undiplomatic approach or counteraction. Hence, left the issue to the Government as because prohibition or no prohibition, the drinkers will continue to drink as flow of liquor will always find its way to penetrate in one or the other way through thick and thin.
Kevilekhotuo Angami
Near DC Court, Dimapur
