Dimapur, July 13 (MExN): A number of church leaders today appealed to all in concern – civil society and the government included – advocating an ‘alcohol-free’ Nagaland. “God wants our faith to be translated in action in transforming our society. A society where there will be fair distribution of resources; sharing of power and opportunity, and respect for human dignity by upholding Christian values,” the church leaders said in a joint statement.
According to the church leaders, Prohibition is a step towards a healthy, “clean and peaceful” society. “It was the church that prayed and struggled for Prohibition of liquor and it is becoming a reality. It is unthinkable that any government should retrieve back to lift the Prohibition Act totally or partially,” the statement said. The statement was appended by Rev. Dr. Visor H. Zeliang, Rev. Amop, Rev. T. Moina, Rev. Inaho Sumi, Rev. Yapang, Rev. N. Pomo, H. Hammei, Rev. L. Bizo, Rev. Dr. K. Imo Aier, Rev. K. Lasuh, and Rev. S. Takam, Rev. Ellis Murry, Rev. T. Alemmeren, Rev. Lanolongchar, Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh, Rev. Dr. Kapfo, Rev. L. Suohie Masi, Rev. N.T. Murry and Rev. Tsangkhuchu.
The church leaders also had a word for the government and the “Christian” Nagas: “The people’s representatives in the government are expected not to take any decision against the wishes of the people.
Majority of the Nagas are Christians; the voice of the Church should be taken into consideration as the voice of the people.” To the people of Nagaland, the church leaders appealed “to avoid consumption, use and sale of alcohol because it will never contribute towards healthy life, family wellbeing and peaceful atmosphere.”
To the government of Nagaland, the statement said the NLTP Act 1989 “rather amend the section where supply, drinking and use of liquor are permitted.” The Excise department must be strengthened “through enhancing manpower and facilities” and the village councils, municipal councils and voluntary organizations should be included “in the law enforcing agency.”
To civil society, the statement asserted that “civil society exists for the building, refinement and welfare of the society. Alcohol is a destructive element, therefore we urge you to advocate for an alcohol free society to protect our citizens from the grip of alcoholism.” The church leaders also reminded their own institution, the church, that “with the objective to transform for land in Christian principle we have proclaimed ‘Nagaland for Christ,’ 10,000 missionaries/volunteers’ and ‘dry state’. Put all your concerted efforts to make our declaration a reality.”
“Go into all the world; to the world of alcoholics, drug addicts, HIV/AIDS positives, destitute, sick, neglected, poor, orphans and the needy. Cultivate supportive mechanism to win them to Christ by Christian love through spiritual and material care. Rely on spiritual weapon of prayer and fasting. For the weapon of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God the pulling down of strong- holds (2 Cor. 10:4)” it added.
