Peter T. Kent
In my mind these past few days, I've been reflecting on a serious conversation between two friends, Alo and Ale. They are not just any ordinary imagination but they represent two voices wrestling with critical questions about faith, morality, and the impact of societal choices on the future. Their discussion touches on the heart of a debate that feels ever more urgent—whether lifting the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act is truly in the best interest of our people, or if it risks unravelling the very fabric of our Christian values. Alo and Ale's dialogue is filled with honest concerns, sharp questions, and a deep sense of responsibility for the future of Nagaland.
Alo: Ale, have you noticed the direction some of our Christian legislators are taking? They’readvocating for lifting the NLTP Act, and their arguments are centered around individual liberty and economic growth. But something feels off about this whole thing.
Ale: Absolutely, Alo. It seems like they’re pushing for short-term political gains without considering the long-term impact. And the idea that lifting the Act promotes freedom—seriously? Isn’t real freedom about responsibility? Letting liquor flow freely will only fuel addiction, violence, and broken homes. Where’s the responsibility in that? Is not this shallow and a mockery to their “War on Drugs”?
Alo: Exactly! I’m baffled by some of these statements. For instance, the claim that no civilization has been destroyed because of liquor—isn’t that absurd? Look at ancient Rome! Part of their downfall was due to indulgence, including alcohol. It's like they're completely ignoring the lessons of history.
Ale: And it’s not just Rome. Think of the Bible too—Noah, Lot, and all the warnings against being led astray by alcohol. Even Daniel and his friends refused to drink the king’s wine because they understood how it could cloud their judgment.
Alo: Yes! And let’s not forget, many philosophers and statesmen throughout history have spoken against liquor, pointing out how it weakens societies, dulls minds, and leads to destruction. Yet here we have Christian legislators trying to make it sound harmless, even beneficial!
Ale: It’s madness. They’re selling this idea of personal freedom and economic prosperity, but at what cost? If we allow liquor, we might as well be opening the door to legalizing prostitution, drugs, same-sex marriage—anything, all in the name of ‘individual liberty.’ Where does it end?
Alo: You know, this isn’t just about selling liquor—it’s about selling out our values. And what worries me the most is that Christian legislators are leading this charge. Can a true Christian really advocate for something that could destroy the faith? How can they stand by and promote something that harms our society?
Ale: It doesn’t make sense, does it? A true Christian selling or promoting liquor contradicts everything our faith teaches. We’re supposed to protect our communities from these dangers, not profit from them.
Alo: And isn’t it foolishness to let drunkards have a say in policymaking? When you’re under the influence, your judgment is clouded. How can we trust that they’ll make decisions that protect the wellbeing of everyone?
Ale: Exactly! It’s time we start asking the real questions. Are these policies truly for the people’s good, or are they just aimed at winning over liberal voters? It’s as if politicians are more concerned with staying in power than protecting our future.
Alo: That’s right. They’re courting a few liberal voters, but what about the majority of us who want to uphold our Christian values? The time has come for voters to look beyond just ‘Naga political issues.’ These decisions affect our faith and the very fabric of our society.
Ale: And if we’re not careful, it won’t stop at liquor. We’ll see more moral compromises—legalized drugs, prostitution, even abortion, and same-sex marriage—all in the name of liberty and progress. But what kind of progress destroys lives and tears down the principles we hold dear?
Alo: That’s why it’s so crucial to strengthen the NLTP Act. We need to protect our society from these pitfalls. This isn’t just about controlling liquor; it’s about safeguarding our future, our values, and our dignity. If the government insists on lifting the Act, there have to be strict regulations in place.Atleast, the ideals of the Act can be still upheld to some extent.
Ale: Agreed. We need licensing restrictions, controlled sales, and accountability for both sellers and consumers. And the government must also establish rehabilitation centers, medical facilities, and counseling services for those struggling with addiction. Our communities need to be protected, not exploited.
Alo: And if a licensed dealer or consumer become a source of problems, like violence or unlawful activities, their license should be suspended or revoked. We need accountability for everyone involved—sellers and consumers alike. If we’re going to live with liquor in our society, it has to come with serious responsibility.
Ale: And on top of that, if complaints arise from the community, those sales points should be moved away from residential areas. We need to protect the quality of life in our neighbourhoods. If dealers continue to cause disturbances or allow irresponsible behaviour, their license should be terminated. We have to hold both sellers and buyers accountable.
Alo: It’s really a question of what kind of future we want for Nagaland. Do we want to build a society where faith and dignity are preserved, or one where everything is up for sale—even our morals? So, where does that leave us, Ale?
Ale: It’s clear that we have a choice to make. We can either let short-term political gain and misguided notions of freedom lead us down a dangerous path, or we can stand firm in our faith and protect our future. We need to hold our leaders accountable and make sure that policies like the NLTP Act are strengthened, not weakened.
Alo: Absolutely. This isn’t just about liquor—it’s about preserving our values, our communities, and our faith. We could see moral decadence in the future if we’re not careful. It’s a possibility, but I don’t think we’re there yet—not while our legislators are still faithful Christians. However, that doesn’t mean we should be complacent. Just because they’re Christians doesn’t guarantee that they’ll uphold our values if we don’t hold them accountable.Now more than ever, voters need to look beyond just political issues and vote for leaders who will uphold the moral integrity of our society. Let’s take action today to ensure a brighter, more dignified future for the next generation.
