The writer, on observing and experiencing the consequences of the liquor prohibition since its enforcement in 1989, wish to write this to the NBCC and the NMM about their unsuccessful imposition of liquor prohibition which is consciously and eventually killing the Nagas. So that they nay thoroughly analyze the consequences of prohibition and justify reasonably as to why liquor prohibition should not be lifted. I write this to NBCC and NMM because just as they care for the perishing souls, layman like me too is concerned about the deteriorating health conditions of alcohol users due to availability of inflow of adulterated liquor, consequent upon the imposition of prohibition.
I was also into alcohol for some considerable years, but now it is almost three years that I have given up. But my giving up of alcohol is not because of NBCC/NMM’s prohibition (as alcohol was available as always). I gave up because adulterated and second grade alcohol of Lahorijan and khatkati made nearly took my life
The NBCC, I think, should first redress and scrutinize the ban imposition before vowing to resist tooth and nail against the government proposal partial lift. Even the NMM as a mother, should strictly first study the actual fact before their affirmation with the NBCC. The NBCC liquor prohibition has rather paved an opportunity to those black-marketers to open up thousands of clandestine wine shops in Nagaland because of its high marginal profits. A suppose Rum bottle of Rs. 50 is sold at Rs. 90. After all, who would not want to do the almost half of its capital profit business? Many a time, seizures of IMFL is done but are those alcohol business men scared or rather obey and stop their illegal business? No. They rather double their consignment for recovery and somewhere taken to their destination. This easy transportation becomes possible because those law enforcing agencies manning the entry check gates are no wonder pre-plaids.
If at all prohibition id lifted, there will be only few licensed and graded wine shops in big towns. But today in Nagaland, due to prohibition, any brand of liquor is found readily available in all localities like Pan shops, hotels, private residence and besides all these many restaurants are like licensed wine shops. I humbly ask the NBCC/NMM. Ask any one who drinks alcohol to show you where alcohol is found. I am sure if he care and co-operates, in ten minutes time he can show you many clandestine wine shops in his residential areas alone.
I am sorry but my limited understandings tells me that NBCC liquor prohibition is to close down few licensed wine shops so that thousands of clandestine wine shops may be opened up in all colonies and villages too. NBCC/NMM members should confidentially ask their loyal neighbors if a single wine is found in their own locality. I am sure there will be one. Yes, it is true that the Bible prohibits the consumption of alcohol. But my humble suggestion is if you care for the perishing souls, don’t discuss the matter only with the spiritual leaders but also discuss the matter with common man because just as spiritual leaders knows spiritual life better, the common man may know far better the evil effects and continuous use of adulterated alcohol. NBCC’s spiritual life profession and common men’s lifestyle is like either side of a coin. I am sorry to say this but I think the NBCC’s stubbornness and adamant r rather ignorance about the availability inflow of adulterated alcohol should not kill the Naga people. My humble opinion is asking the prohibition decision act, to know the true ground reality. The NBCC, I feel, should first set up a fact finding committee comprising the NBCC members, competent NGO’s and common people like those who gives opinion through media and study the easy inflow of who, which party, what group, etc, are behind this easy infiltration of alcohol and its consequences and see whether strengthening or lifting liquor prohibition is better for the Naga people. Christians ate often referred as hypocrites by other believers. Pease see that the NBCC’s name-sake prohibition Act should not become another mockery NB liquor prohibition members said that they will not tolerate about the lift for its social effects. Yes, it is true that alcohol creates social problems but everyone knows that due to prohibition, it has rather been multiplying untold social evils. For instance, 1. Resorting to liquor smuggle for high marginal profits. 2. In place of few supposed to be wine shops, thousands have cropped up. 3. Many are unknowingly consuming adulterated (poisonous) liquor. 4. Effects on family economy due to high alcohol rates. 5. Young boys and girls evening outing increases. 6. Alcohol is found any time of the night for prolong night party lovers. 7. Unable to afford costly alcohol resorting to affordable drugs. 8. Pocket-money avenues for the law enforcing agencies.
To sum up, leave aside the government revenues, but think about the perishing souls due to the consumption of adulterated alcohol which is flowing availably like the flow of water. If at all prohibition is either partial or totally lifted and allow only authorized and licensed business men to run alcohol shops, the inflow of adulterated alcohol can easily be checked. Those who find themselves difficult to give up alcohol may at least be able to consumebranded ones. Because there is a huge difference between branded ones and adulterated ones. And also thousands of illegal presently run wine shops may be put to an end. The NBCC, together with the state Government should immediately and wisely take a decision and act as a salvation to those perishing young and old Nagas from the dreaded availability of adulterated alcohol.
H. Akato Sema
Ikishe village, 5th Mile
Dimapur
