Some of those who voted YES had this to say:
• Yes it is about time. The truth is that it is not working in Nagaland, but no one wants to point is out because they are afraid of being morally judged by the Church. In fact it should be the church that should come out openly and demand that the Government have an independent review of the Prohibition Act. The body can consist of government and church representatives as well and from the civil society and should be headed by a former Judge. We all know that Prohibition is not working but we need a proper independent investigation to inform the public whey it is failing and what the government should do next.
• Of course, it should. How much longer will the Government and some "Council" turn a blind eye? It's not even a secret. Here is something rich for those all going gung ho for prohibition, the "mineral water" shops near City tower open earlier than the pharmacies of the same area. Sunday included. Ain't that something? Why ban and let the public die of bootlegged moonshine? Liquor kills but don't "they" think that the moonshine kills faster??
• Yes. Since present status of prohibition only inflame the dark side of prohibition. Though personally totally against the lifting of prohibition but seeing the present tamasha of churches emotional spirituality if we "church" are not at all serious means need to review thoroughly. better not play with the sentiments.
• Yes. Having a law that's only good on paper is redundant.
• This is the only sane and logical step that the state government can make. Instead of making all the accusations and justifications it will be best if we first have a thorough report on the ground situation. Only after we study and find the facts of the ground situation the govt will know what steps to take next. Otherwise just blaming in the dark is not helping anyone.
• Yes it should. Don’t we deserve to have an independent review on the negative and positive aspects of it? Govt … by the people, of the people and for the people.
• Yes. There should not be any other influences except look towards the merits and if it weighs more than the demerits then they should be bold enough to lift prohibition.
• Yes! Govt. should review Total prohibition of anything can be impossible. The world needs to exist with good and bad: without black, white has no meaning. Diabetics is today the biggest problem in Nagaland but that does not mean, we should ban sugar. Just recently we read in paper, a celebrity request Indian Govt. to ban ceiling fan because, many are committing suicide hanging from ceiling fan but that’s ridiculous! As we say, what’s good for your heart is bad for your liver. Nothing is perfectly good or perfectly bad. Whether a poison or a panacea it’s hoe we regulates, that matter. It’s not a question of merits or demerits.
• Yes! Govt. shouldn’t give their consent without the peoples voice and their good and ba don decisions that is for all. People on the streets knows best.
Some of those who voted NO had this to say:
• No because the chances of having an independent neutral body to come up with a report that shows the real situation is unlikely. Even this report will be hijacked by those who want the prohibition act to continue. The only people that are benefiting from the prohibition are the bootleggers and the clergy men.
• No, there is no point because it will be a futile exercise. It will not make any difference at all. This government is not serious. • It’s a waste of time. So far none of the judicial inquiry committees have resulted in any positive outcome. It is a farce.
• No. We didn't elect a government to do as it pleases. Streamline the present prohibition act. The failure of the prohibition is due to the failure of the enforcing agencies. The continuing sale of alcohol whether you call it good quality or spurious, is an indication of failure of implementing mechanism, corruption and the lack of determination to do what needs to be done.
Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say:
• Hope, the Government stand aside from the shadow of the church.
• Can people be taught to drink in moderation? Prohibition was perhaps a step too far, but it was brought on because of rampant selling of liquor at every 50 metres and too much drunkenness . As per unofficial count, alcoholism is still one of the most common cause of death in Nagaland. By all means lift prohibition so that good quality alcohol becomes available at reasonable price rather than the sub-standard stuff that is sold in black market. But question of responsible drinking will still remain.
• One cannot deny that there should be review of Prohibition which has been there in our state for more than 20 years. But who will bail the cat? Everyone knows it but no one is willing to admit it.
• Our Naga society has become complacent and has lost moral values. We no longer care for rule. We are comfortable with our misery. Its funny because those who are for prohibition can continue to proudly say Nagaland is a dry state which they will not find alcohol in the kind of places they go. On the other those who are against prohibition know exactly where to buy it and prohibition does not hinder. So we have a win-win situation.
