For the last few years, it was almost a routine affair to be greeted with atleast one write up on prohibition, either in support or opposing, in the local newspaper but now the issue has heated up after the Excise Minister convened a consultative meet without any result and now, literally every space in the local papers is floated with write ups on prohibition, some in favour of continuing where as some in favour of lifting the prohibition act. Every possible reasons, effects and justification has been presented by both the 'For and against' party but it seems we all have missed out one crucial and important aspects of prohibition which was primarily enacted to curb the menace of Alcoholism in Naga Society. In my personal opinion as a layman it seems that we are wasting precious time, money and creating unnecessary animosity for a non-issue among ourselves.
The most important point missing in this issue in that we still believe and accept the age old theory that alcoholism is a social problem and is to be dealt socially. This is the main reason why NBCC came into the picture by initiating the move to enact prohibition land and with all their might and the so called little intervention by the Almighty God succeeded in passing the law. In fact it was a big achievement but unfortunately there was no plan and strategy to monitor the progress of the law, analysis the loopholes in the law and rectify it or any mechanism to deal with the fallout of imposing prohibition. If I am not mistaken the NBCC has not conducted any research or study to critically analyses the effects of prohibition either positive or negative. They have also not organize any debates or seminars to make people aware of the prohibition law impose, to every nook and comer of Nagaland because even after 20 years of dry law there are still many people confused and wondering why there is no wine store in Nagaland when there is plenty of wines freely available. To be honest it is a big failure on all counts by every persons involved with the issue.
But if we accept and follow the new findings of Alcoholism, then prohibition law is a non-issue and becomes irrelevant. Because modem Psychologist, Intellectuals and experts have confirmed and accepted that Alcoholism is not a social problem but a medical problem- a deadly disease if left untreated properly in time could definitely lead to death. Mind you! Who wants to die? The paradoxy of humans especially Naga Christian is that everybody wants to go to heaven to led an eternal life, which actually is possible only after death but nobody wants to die. In fact, when a person is afflicted with disease he/she tends to become more religious and is patient enough to listen to every tips, information and advises about the disease for speedy recovery. Even medical expenditure becomes secondary and is ready to do anything and everything only to avoid death. And when a person is suffering from disease especially life threatening then all the family members and well wishers are ready to extend help in anyway possible through prayers, monetary supports and even physically, so that the person recovers and do not die. But, the same approach cannot be extended to a person who is having a social problem because it is his decision how to live or what to do? Even the concern person may not like interference from family members and well wishers in his/her social issues. As a matter of fact, the whole concept of thinking and approach to social problem and medical problem in totally opposite which is the most importance and vital points in dealing with the issue.
Thus, if we accept the new concepts of Alcoholism then the law of prohibition is irrelevant and does not make any difference whether imposed or lifted. In short, a meaningless debate for a meaningless issue, so, the Excise Minister should be brave enough to uphold the voice of the majority and march with others by lifting the prohibition law before the State Govt. becomes bankrupt and go around with begging bowl. Moreover, a religion organization forcing its believers to toe the line of beliefs and ethics of certain religion is only exposing their incompetence to reign over their followers through faith and prayers.
N.T. Thamlong Phom
Signal Phom Colony, Dimapur
