I. MISSIONARY PERIOD
From the very beginning the Baptist Church had resolved to fight out the liquor and its evils. The American Missionary Conference adopted a resolution in Kolkata in 1875 on “Total Abstinence from liquor”. This decision was binding in all churches of the Naga Hills. Dr. Clark at Impur Field and Rev. Rivenburg at Kohima Field made the total abstinence from drink of local rice-beer a basic condition for Baptism and admission into the Church membership. By that time the Missionaries introduced and popularized the drinking of ‘Tea’ among the Nagas. Baptist’s Church movement on prohibition was opposed by British Administrators, but Prohibition was successful till the Independence of India in 1947.
II. NAGA HILLS UNDER ASSAM-PERIOD
After the India Independence and subsequent Naga National Movement the Government of India (GOI) supplied huge quantity of liquor specially Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) into Naga Hills and Tuensang Area. Alarmed by the rampant flow of liquor and its consequent ruin of the Nagas, NBCC took up this issue at official level. On February 5, 1962 NBCC in its Mokokchung Session resolved to appeal to Governor of Assam to abolish liquor sale in Nagaland and also urged him to divert the fund of the ‘Political Rum’ to some other Welfare projects. NBCC assumed that GOI kept a separate fund for liquor as a political tool to influence the Nagas. The Governor complied to the appeal of NBCC and political rum was abolished.
III. NAGALAND STATEHOOD PERIOD
I. After the Statehood of Nagaland NBCC under the leadership of Kenneth Kerhuo, Rev. Ayutemjem and Rev. Longri Ao approached Nagaland Government to abolish the sale of liquor by 1964. But Government issued more licenses and opened many wine shops in all districts. On October 12, 1966 NBCC met Chief Minister and his Cabinet and urged that the rum quota for the guest entertainment be stopped and licenses be cancelled and all wine shops and bars be closed down by the end of 1966. The Government agreed to fulfill the demand of the NBCC, but on the contrary Government enacted the Nagaland Excise Act 1967 to manufacture, sell and use more liquor.
In 1966 itself NBCC resolved that all fourteen Baptist Associations should take positive action by creating An-All-Out movement for Prohibition by forming ‘Dry Forces’ by all Christian Women Societies throughout Nagaland to combat the sale of liquor so detrimental to the peace and security of every Naga Home. In 1967 NBCC Women Department was formed under the title ‘Nagaland Baptist Women Union’ (NBWU) and took up the prohibition crusade aggressively.
In 1969 NBCC appointed the Nagaland Central Committee on Liquor Prohibition and requested the Government to cut down progressively the quota from wine dealers with an objective to ultimate prohibition. On Feb. 3, 1971 NBCC requested the Government to terminate all licenses and close down all liquor shops within three years and enforce prohibition from 1973. Government agreed to abolish liquor; but to our surprise, they went back from their commitment and the Nagaland Excise Rule was passed in 1974 to regulate and promote wine sale in Nagaland.
On seeing the Government wicked liquor policy against the people, The Executive Council and Central Prohibition Committee under the charismatic leadership of Rev. Longri Ao made a strong public statement on March 15, 1973.
“… In view of these developments and assurances given by the State leaders, we were hopefully waiting for a definite step to be taken by the Govt. on closing these houses of poison, but instead, they have today flooded our land with wine by issuing more and more new licenses to run this business. Is it too much to say that today our public leaders whom we have elected have sold the people of Nagaland into the hands of wine sellers? They are great partners with the wine dealers in this manslaughter business. This is a most unholy alliance they have entered into… Nagaland and its people cannot be surrendered into the hands of drunkards, wine – sellers and their partners who are becoming rich by selling Poison to their own people.”
2. NBCC WOMEN PARTICIPATION: In 1984 NBWU under the bold leadership of Rev. Dr. K. Kafpo appointed an Action Committee to intensify the movement and they budgeted Rs. 50,000 for the Prohibition Movement to mobilize the people. Posters, pamphlets, educative literatures were distributed. They toured all over Nagaland and solicited the support of Church leaders, Government authorities, Town Committees, Student’s Unions and other Civil Society and pressed the Government for Prohibition. As a result on November 28, 1984, S.C Jamir the C.M. replied, “The Cabinet considered the issue at length and decided that the existing licenses had to be allowed to run till the duration of the validity upto 31-3-’85… after that licenses will not be renewed… and drastically reduced.” But the Government did not keep its written assurance. NBWU again organized protest demonstration, procession and rallies on August 16-2-1988 all over Nagaland with the endorsement of NBCC Executive. Thus Baptist Women played a dynamic role by consolidating their position and protesting against the wicked policy of the Government. This was the beginning of the rising of Nagaland Women power which had remained dormant for centuries together undiscovered. NBWU were supported strongly by Naga Mother’s Association.
3. DO OR DIE MASS MOVEMENT: The Church was unhappy with the Government’s false assurances, empty promises and flattery words. Government cannot fool the Church so long. So NBCC resolved to confront the Govt. if necessary to achieve their legitimate and rightful demand. Nagaland Baptist Youth Front Protest demonstration was held on August 17, 1988 and demanded to close down all wine shops in 1988 itself and mobilized whole Nagaland Christian Youth for the movement under the active leadership of Rev. J. Thunjamo Lotha.
(a) Pfutsero Resolution: On October 25-27, 1988, NBCC at Pfutsero Session resolved to reinforce the movement and to launched strong protest movement through Hunger Strike and Non-cooperation Movement.
Thus Mass Protest Rally was held in November 15, 1988 in Kohima and in all districts Headquarters on November 23 and demanded to close down all liquor shops by March 15, 1989. To this effect strong memorandums was submitted to the Governor of Nagaland signed by 5000 Church Leaders during the President Rule. The Governor has consented to honor the sentiments of the people and assured to grant their demand.
(b) Mon and Mokokchung District Dry: Mass movement for the Prohibition reached its zenith all over the State. The Konyak Ngupuh Shuko Ukhong (KNSU) spearheaded the crusade and Mon district was declared ‘Dry’ on October 1, 1988 making a record in prohibition history.
On September 14, 1984 the Naga Scholar Society organized a meeting of politicians and leaders of ABAM, Ao Hoho, villages, students Union, G.B Union and Mokokchung Town Committee and resolved to ban wine selling in Mokokchung district. They approached all wine sellers, house owners of wine shops, license holders seeking their cooperation.
In 1988 three hundred sixty five volunteers committed themselves to fast unto death in demand of prohibition. Youth, Women and ABAM resolved to fight for prohibition to the end in their 1988 respective annual sessions. Thus indefinite Hunger strike started on January 3, 1989 and on the second day January 4, the then Deputy Commissioner V. N. Gaur declared Mokokchung district ‘Dry’.
(c) Shamator Session: In June 12-15, 1989 NBCC thanked Governor for assurance given neither to issue new nor to renew existing licenses from 1989 and NBCC further resolved to demand the prohibition to the new Government. Executive Committee offered hunger strike as a possible ultimatum in the event of the age-long request would go unheeded by the Government.
The fiercest Prohibition battle was waged in Kohima in 1989 under the wise leadership of Rev. Dr. Pongsing. The NBCC Total Prohibition Action Committee was appointed to spearhead the movement. Strategies and plan of Actions were formulated including non-cooperation movement and an ultimatum was submitted to declare Nagaland State Dry and to legislate the Total Prohibition of liquor by March 15, 1989. If the demand is not fulfill, Hunger Strike would launched from March 17.
Accordingly Hunger Strike, protest rally and demonstration was held from 17th -20th March 1989 by 5000 soldiers of Christ. But it was communicated by the Government, “Govt. will require 60 days to examine all aspects to declare Nagaland a dry state by legislation”. Having faith in their commitment people dispersed joyfully.
After the expiry of the 60 days Government reply was that it needed another 40 days. But it was evident that Government was not serious about the people’s cries and was just playing delaying tactics. Therefore NBCC called all Church leaders from all over Nagaland to gather at Kohima during Assembly Session to resume Hunger Strike. But in order to sabotage the NBCC programme Government through All India Radio and Government Administrative machineries informed all the Nagaland Churches not to come to Kohima. The reason cited by the Government is that Hunger Strike was cancelled because Government would introduce a Prohibition Bill. Nagaland Churches were confused by the conflicting notices they received. Therefore NBCC once again called all Church leaders to Kohima to welcome the Bill in June Session. NBCC also requested them to come prepared for Hunger Strike if the Bill is not Total Prohibition of Liquor.
On June 20, first Assembly day Baptist Associations led by respective Executive Secretaries gathered in front of the Legislative Assembly Hall waving their respective flags. On June 21, around 1000 delegates gathered at Ao Church for prayer, instruction and medical check up. On June 22, seven Church leaders entered into the Assembly Hall to receive the Bill. But it was Bombay Prohibition law 1949 Extension to Nagaland. The Bombay law says that anyone can manufacture, transport, possess, sell and use liquor after getting license from Government. The Bombay Bill was like the proverbial ‘snake given to the child by the father, when the child asks for fish’.
Bombay Prohibition Bill was a terrible betrayal, blatant lie and a dangerous insult committed by the Government of Nagaland against its people. Shocked by the Government unreliability and wounded by its wicked design and actions, the Church leaders retreated to NBCC Office and cried before the Lord for guidance and the wisdom. Then, NBCC out-rightly rejected the Bombay Prohibition Bill and resolved to launched ‘Indefinite Hunger Strike’ from June 23. At 3:00 P.M. prayer service was conducted at Union Baptist Church and message was dispatched to all Nagaland Churches and asked all churches to go on knees in prayer.
The history was on the making when the decisive spiritual warfare against the wicked principalities was marshaled after the marching orders were sounded. 125 medically found fitted volunteers had started Indefinite Hunger Strike at 6:00 A.M on June 23, 1989 ready to lay down their lives in front of the Assembly Hall at Phoolbari in the presence of around 1000 Church leaders. It was a very touching scene to see grey haired and bald headed 125 spiritual giants from all over Nagaland including three NBCC central staff praying day and night for four days with strong commitment for the worthy cause. These 125 brave warriors of Christ deserve public recognition and honor.
Chief Minister requested to call off the Hunger Strike and assured to grant the NBCC demand. But NBCC became wiser through the past unfaithfulness of the Government and did not accept the make believe assurance of the Chief Minister and went ahead with the Hunger Strike.
The situation turned alarming when the health of the 125 volunteers began to deteriorate. Their families and churches were prepared for any eventualities. Many of them refused to drink even water and their body weights reduced upto 10 kgs. Many collapsed on the third day, but they refused to accept medical treatment as they were determined to sacrifice their lives for the worthy cause. However, against their will, they were hospitalized. They were (1) Rev. Yetoshe Sema (2) Henizhe Pastor (3) Imkumchiba Deacon (4) Rev. Zanao Lotha Evan (5) Khapikhru Angami Deacon (6) Arshilu Pastor (7) Kikhevi Sema Pastor (8) Rev. Jepdak Ao Pastor (9) Mar Ao Pastor (10) Rev. Yamyap Executive Secretary.
After 81 hours of Hunger Strike from 6:00 A.M. June 23 to 3:00 P.M. June 26 the Excise Minister withdrew the Bombay Bill and assured to introduce Total Prohibition Bill in the floor of the Assembly and thus the first battle was won with supreme collective sacrifice of 125 volunteers supported by all Nagaland Churches for the glory of God.
On June 30, S.C. Jamir, Chief Minister declared through the AIR Kohima. “Since the Government was already committed to bring about legislation introducing Total Prohibition of liquor in the State, we responded to the wishes of NBCC… And here I would like to once again reiterate the commitment of my Party and Govt. towards making Nagaland a truly Dry State”.
On November 9, 1989 the long awaited Bill was introduced in the Nagaland Assembly. But, alas! It was a cryptic Bill with sanction to manufacture and sell liquor. Section 2 and 79 of the Bill permits to manufacture, sell, transport liquor and section 8-10 provides to issue permits to institutions for manufacturing, sale liquor and Section 25-34 authorizes Director to regulate liquor business. Section 84 states that Government can manufacture supply and sell liquor even without permit.
Once again the Government betrayed the Church, but NBCC under the leadership of the Action Committee was determined to fight to the end and never yield to Government’s manipulation and subjugation. NBCC persisted for the ultimate goal of real Total Prohibition law.
On November 28, 1989 NBCC submitted to the Govt. seven loopholes in the Bill to be rectified and resolved to resume Hunger Strike if Government would not comply to their demand. After much argument, studies and exercises, NBCC Action Committee had a meeting with the Cabinet members. It was agreed and promised that the desired Total Liquor Prohibition Bill will be introduced in the Assembly. For precaution and preparation of any eventualities the loopholes in the Nagaland Liquor Prohibition Bill was widely distributed to the Churches, NGOs and people in general.
At last on March 29, 1990 “THE NAGALAND LIQUOR TOTAL PROHIBITION ACT” was passed by the Assembly and June 3, 1990 was observed as Thanksgiving Day in all the Churches. Glory be to God.
After fighting for 28 years, Total Prohibition Liquor Act was made possible declaring Nagaland Dry State. Time, money, energy and comfort were sacrificed. Every possible democratic means of demand were applied. It was a submission of vested interest to the people’s will, a sacrifice of ecclesiastical arrogance for a social change. And, now therefore, the idea of revoking the Total Prohibition is unthinkable; it will naturally provoke the people giving rise to various unwanted situations. The hard earned Total Prohibition should be preserved with all sincerity. It can be assessed that if the movement for Total Prohibition was initiated by any Organizations other then NBCC, it may fail because social movement is easy to be tainted with political color and its efforts are misunderstood or misdirected. But when the Church initiates, no one dare to advance with aggressive attitudes and actions towards the Church as the Church is above any suspicions. The Church is the largest and highest social platform in Nagaland. It is the fermenting agent and conscience of a community.
IV. GOVERNMENT DETERMINATION TO LIFT THE TOTAL PROHIBITION ACT
The Government had enforced the law from 1990; but never attempted to implement it seriously, because they want to lift the law. Soon after the enactment of the law the Government had expressed its intention to relax the law. Since 1990 over and again Government moved to lift up the Total Prohibition law but the Church encountered and checked every Government’s move. Further the Church is demanding the proper implementation of the Act in letter and spirit. Government is duty bond to implement the Act.
REASONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT MOVE
1. The Act was passed by the Government because of the pressure from the people and Church. Rather than passing the Act with sheer political will and the commitment of the political leaders, the Liquor Prohibition Act has been passed to avoid mass prohibition protest and continuing Hunger Strike by NBCC. Consequently the implementing process including implementing agencies like the Executive, Judicial and the Police and Excise Department is flawed with the exception of some dedicated and upright Officers and personnel. Without the enforcement of the Act by the implementing agencies the possession, distribution and sale therefore went unabated, unchecked and un-regulated. Such state of affairs calls for deep introspection and critique of the operation, functioning and system that are in placed within our State governmentality.
2. The Government was getting a revenue of only 10 crores of rupees prior to the Prohibition Act. On the other hand liquor dealers including top politicians were getting hundreds of crores of rupees per annum. The liquor dealers hungry for license and money is the impetus and the most powerful driving force behind the Governments’ move to revoke the Prohibition Act even today. But the present Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and some elected leaders are in support of the Prohibition for which we are thankful to them and to God. The Church counts on the support of various organizations. Mother Associations, many Student’s Unions, Tribal Hohos, Civil societies, NGOs voluntary organization, G.B. unions, public leaders, social workers and public are in full support of the Church in its movement for Total Prohibition.
V. TASK
For the successful implementation of the Act NBCC Executive Committee submitted a representation to Chief Minister requesting the amendment of the Act particularly the loophole sections on July 18th 2006. Accordingly the government appointed a eleven members Committee in March 3rd 2007. We are waiting for the Governments’ Amendment of the Act. The challenge before us is to carry out the prohibition crusade by every Christian on war footing. The warfare is between the Church and the evil forces and elements of liquor. God is on our side. Law, government machineries and peoples’ support are with us. Victory is ours if we take our responsibilities and we trust and obey God. Let us commit ourselves to free our homes, communities, streets, markets, offices, workplaces, villages and towns from the evils of liquors in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord of lords and King of kings.
July 10th 2010 Kohima
Issued by NBCC Prohibition Committee
