Dr Asangba Tzudir
A research paper on the IMFL black economy put forth certain arguments to show that prohibition cannot exist in isolation saying that prohibition is not the solution and which only drives buyers and sellers underground, and continuation of the prohibition will only do more harm than good. The paper argued that the success of prohibition necessitates placing alcohol in the ‘Central list’ which would pave the way for a country wide ban. Until then, it argued, prohibition cannot exist in isolation.
While it is true that prohibition cannot exist in isolation, it does not also logically follow or entail that prohibition should be lifted automatically. There are certain more pressing undercurrents beyond the more ‘popular’ or more often argued position – revenue and the income generation which is also attested by the handing over of a representation to the Governor by the DUCCF “demanding the repealing of the failed NLTP Act.”
Beyond the arguments relating to ‘loss’ of revenue; that ‘good alcohol’ will be available; that drinkers will continue to drink irrespective of whether prohibition is lifted or enforced so long as it is available, there are equally pressing issues from socio-religious and health aspects which are more localized grounds to make an assessment of the impact factor.
While the economic impact of drinking alcohol has been a pressing concern it is also important to statistically see the number of families where women have been widowed or children being orphaned. The violence and the psychological torture committed on women and wives by drunken men have left many families broken. The scenario gets worse for families where both parents drink.
While it is not to suggest that drinking alcohol is a sin but, there are things worse than being labeled a sin which includes drinking alcohol because of the layers of effect it causes starting from the individual, the family and to the society at large, so also the effect on ones religiosity as a Christian.
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. are aspects worth studying before taking a call prohibition – be it lifting or enforcing.
This is not to draw any comparison but on one hand the talk about revenue loss due to prohibition has been a profound argument brought forward for lifting prohibition, while on the other, on a more localized frame, one may also ponder about the many enslaved alcoholics who cannot live another day without drinking, and whether asking them to quit drinking or offering a peg will be a better solution. After all, it is not just about the so called revenue loss or getting good quality alcohol and drinkers getting good quality alcohol to drink, but there are far more pressing issues.
However, the current state of affairs is such that, even though the comfort zone debate continues, Nagaland is not ready to either lift or enforce prohibition. Either ways, policies and mechanism are required to be in place to either stay lifted without chaos or stay enforced totally.
On the flip, on the question of isolated prohibition, and between enforcing and lifting, it is without doubt that lifting will be much easier than enforcing total prohibition, and there is also no point in continuing the comforted debate without really addressing and analyzing the issues surrounding the NLTP Act. And prohibition since 1989 did not work, maybe it is time for Nagaland to lift the prohibition and see how it unfolds. Then a real debate may emerge.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com).v
