Imojen I Jamir
Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act was implemented at NBCC’s initiation in 1989. Since then, numerous distilleries bottling spurious liquor have cropped up at Lahorijan. It’s raining mannas for the bootleggers while the consumers are being robbed of their wealth and health. A friend of mine once showed me a tar-like substance which he said was found inside a rum bottle. We can only imagine the toxicity of the liquor – abuse of liquor itself being injurious to health.
Many have been laid to rest untimely after drinking this toxic alcohol. In want of a data after a proper research, but knowledge and common sense tells that this spurious liquor affects one’s health immensely and shortens a drinker’s life considerably. Assuming here we already know and pragmatically accept the fact that some people will always drink, and drinks will always be available until Jesus sets his feet on this side of confused heaven the second time.
Did the NBCC take yet another wrong step in persuading, rather forcefully, the Government to implement the Act just like it promised 10,000 missionaries in a momentary disillusionment? Little voice from the inside tells so.
If Prohibition in Nagaland was in some ways successful NBCC would now have been approached by all the countries which flickered with prohibition but were never successful. Has been lifted in most of the countries/states, seeing it was doing more harm than good.
Some excerpts from the resolutions of NBCC in upholding the prohibition act:-
* In every district there are certain wine sellers both local and India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Law prohibits the sale of local Modhu also. Identify them and send Church people to them for counseling.
* Alcoholics are curable. They can turn into sober life and can contribute much f
r the society. Conduct special consistent camp and class with love, care and understanding.
* In the initial stage under the initiative of the Church, wine houses were raided and liquor destroyed. That was the need of the hour. These too can be done under the leadership of authorities and social bodies. Now the Church should now bring together the heavy drinkers/alcoholics and provide them spiritual guidance. Anonymous Alcoholics can be formed. Separate Bible Studies and counseling for them be arranged.
People in the wine-business be reached out with divine love and human touch. Alternative means of living and other professions can be suggested.
NBCC initiated to put a ban on liquor but has neglected and failed miserably in practicing what it resolved to do. The resolutions have been brushed inside the dirty carpet of the Church and under their gleaming shoes. It is for the people to judge how much has been actually practiced and followed what has been written down.
Can we pass a judgment to an action? Yes, to a deliberate and a volitional action. NBCC has claimed NLTPA was implemented at its initiation. The perilous effects of this NBCC’s particular action are manifested evidently in the availability of spurious liquor everywhere and anytime. This has led to many unfortunate and untimely deaths. NBCC should be accountable and owes moral responsibility, and is the primary responsible agent for all the deaths caused by the consumption of spurious liquor.
