The attempt of the DAN government to lift the Nagaland Total Liquor Prohibition (NTLP) law and the knee-jerk response by NBCC has resulted in hot debate of late. While, those in favour of lifting the Act claimed of total failure, the NBCC claimed partial success. The law failed to take its effect to the desired level because of some simple truths.
Firstly, the law was enacted with the doubt on its success right from the beginning. We have to admit that NTLP failed because Nagaland has practically become a drinking society with more than 80% of the social elite group leading it. It is also a fact that many people in the implementation agencies are liquor consumers.
Secondly, the State Government lacks political will to effectively implement the law. After the enactment of NTLP Act, all liquor manufacturing units in Nagaland ceased to exist. An effective working mechanism involved sealing all illegal transportation from the neighbouring States, military outlets and prevention of booth-legging. But in 20 years time the State Govt. miserably failed to formulate an effective working mechanism. How unfortunate that the State government wanted to lift NTLP Act even before putting in its full effort.
Thirdly, the Church remained complacent for too long on its success of forcing the State Govt. to enact the law. The NBCC’s recent allegations against the present DAN Govt. on serving wine/liquor freely in State banquets and road-shows proved its complacency, though finally it broke its silence. The relationship between the Church and the State came too close so much so that they discovered each other’s weaknesses and vulnerability. This emboldened the DAN government to come up with the idea of consulting the NGOs to lift the NTLP Act and so, the hot debate.
We can’t help but accept the argument that drinking liquor is a personal choice. We can only ask a simple question to drinkers; “Is there no choice than to drink”? Those who drink will continue to defend their habit because they have basic education about liquor.
Therefore, the Church should try to restore its authority and exercise it without a compromise. That today, half the Church’s members may be liquor consumers calls for serious re-thinking that human law alone is not sufficient. It is also wise to keep a safe distance in the relationship between the State and the Church.
Dr. K. Hoshi, Phek Town.
