N Arhe
Despite the prohibition statute, a concerning number of young people continue to die because of alcohol-related complications.
During our Easter Sunday outing, we made a brief stop on the outskirts of Kohima to grab some snacks before heading to our picnic spot. Our driver, a 28-year-old man, hastily exited the car to make a purchase. As we waited for him, a run-down shop across from us caught my attention. In just five or ten minutes, a lively scene unfolded before us as men of all ages gathered at the shop. The shop had a setup that resembled a vending machine, with customers inserting money through a small opening and a black plastic bag rolling out in return. The buyer and seller appeared to have no direct contact and communicated only through the digits in the currency notes.
Soon, I noticed our driver making his way towards the familiar shop after thoroughly inspecting all the surrounding blocks. Like the other customers, he seamlessly inserted cash and discreetly tucked a mysterious black bag in his jacket pocket. The entire incident appeared shady and piqued my interest a great deal. "What is that?" I asked. "I'd like to drink a small bottle of MC before my meal today." He answered.
The next morning, the driver found himself unable to get out of bed. The previous night, there had been a constant cycle of vomiting and a racing heartbeat that showed no signs of stopping. His inability to stand and difficulty speaking were evident, highlighting the severity of his condition. Petrified, we wasted no time rushing him to the hospital, where the doctor urgently recommended administering oxygen. Fortunately, his health improved over time, possibly because of timely medical intervention.
The incident has sparked numerous questions in my mind regarding the composition of alcohol that is sold in the local market. What is it exactly about this potent elixir that exerts such a powerful hold on young boys, causing them to spiral into addiction in a short amount of time? Where are these alcohols made, and how do they flood the state? Sadly, the mysterious composition will remain veiled in secrecy until it undergoes a thorough examination in a modern laboratory.
Over the past few years, I have heard of countless alcohol-related deaths among young men, and I even attended the funerals of two relatives who tragically died because of alcohol-related causes. Both of them were in their thirties and left behind two young widows and an infant. During their funerals, their maternal uncles expressed similar sentiments of helplessness, stating, "Many of you are aware that he struggled with alcoholism. He couldn't fight back the might of alcohol; he was overpowered and was sadly defeated." It is truly heartbreaking for the family to come to terms with the fact that their beloved child had to endure a life filled with longing for something that was silently consuming him from within.
But in a state of total prohibition, who should shoulder the blame?
Fingers go blazing towards individuals who consume alcohol and how they should bear full responsibility for their actions. But what about law enforcement agencies? Are they ill-equipped to tackle the challenges posed by the illegal alcohol trade, or do they simply display a lack of interest in enforcing the law? Do they know that because of their inactions, the flow of alcohol continues unchecked, undermining the very purpose of prohibition and creating a breeding ground for illicit activities, leading to the addiction and loss of many young people's lives?
The church, undoubtedly the most influential force in shaping moral values, appears to be either unaware of the gravity of the issue or perhaps afraid that lifting the prohibition would be seen as a moral failure. Either way, they are failing in their duties to save lives.
Society too has the responsibility to uphold what is righteous and hold those in positions of authority accountable for their actions when they falter, but aside from speaking out against alcoholics and drug addicts, no one holds store owners or landlords responsible for using their properties for illicit purposes.
Many argue that the lack of enforcement and loopholes in the legislation have allowed for widespread noncompliance. Others argue that powerful lobbying groups and corruption contribute to the Act's ineffectiveness. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the seriousness of the current situation, both the government and the church must take proactive measures and thoroughly examine the statistical data concerning the untimely deaths of young men resulting from alcohol-related incidents in recent years. Delving into this data will uncover the true magnitude of the problem that the state is currently grappling with. The valuable data will not only shed light on the harsh reality of the consequences arising from the easy availability of spurious alcohol within the state, but it will also highlight the urgent necessity for an open and transparent dialogue to tackle this pressing issue.
It is no secret that there are several speakeasies in Dimapur and Kohima. Despite efforts to restrict access to alcohol, drinkers will inevitably find ways to obtain it, while bootleggers will thrive by employing cunning strategies to smuggle in. Regardless of any attempts at moral policing, it's impossible to prevent people from indulging in certain behaviours. True transformation starts from within, when individuals become aware of their actions, accept their reality, and begin healing their body and mind.
If repealing the Prohibition Act is a non-negotiable feat, then shouldn’t there be strategies and programs to support and educate its alcohol-loving citizens? To ensure the effectiveness of a robust law, we need to implement a more forceful and proactive intervention. Enacting a law alone is insufficient; it requires equal effort to strengthen its enforcement. While I am not an expert on the subject, I'd like to share a few suggestions.
1. To test the quality of drugs and alcohol entering the state, it is imperative for the government to establish a state-of-the-art laboratory within its borders. The lab could provide important information for research and policy development on substance abuse prevention and treatment, while also acting as a deterrent for those distributing illegal substances by ensuring that all products undergo thorough testing and scrutiny before reaching their users. By providing accurate information on the composition and potential dangers of various substances, the laboratory could help educate the public and reduce the demand for harmful drugs.
2. The government should set up rehabilitation centres linked to every government hospital within each district, providing accessible support from trained councillors. This will provide a safe space for individuals to seek early help and guidance and empower them to make positive choices.
3. Nagaland Baptist Church Council can make an impact by sponsoring a few educated unemployed individuals from each district to undergo professional counselling courses, subsequently offering them full-time employment as part of a church outreach ministry in every district, fostering personal growth and community engagement. This initiative will not only provide its youth with valuable professional skills and employment opportunities but, also strengthen the community by promoting awareness and support. By investing in education and job opportunities for the unemployed, the council can make a lasting impact on both individuals and society.
Urgent action is required to avoid a repeat of the tragic circumstances that resulted in the untimely passing of several young men in the 1980s because of alcohol and drug abuse. For future generations, it is critical to learn from the past and take proactive steps to prevent such devastating outcomes from occurring again. Investing in education, mental health resources, and community support programs can create a safety net that protects vulnerable individuals from falling into the same destructive patterns. It is critical to prioritize early intervention and continuing support to stop the cycle of addiction before it takes more lives.
