Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 2
“Liquor prohibition Act directly declines the state economy”, “the Act has become a mockery”, “the prohibition Act leads the youngsters to seek for alternative, gets indulge into the use of harmful substance”, “Liquor is harmful when misused”, “it is personal fate, let alone decide”, “if prohibition Act is enforce, we have to change our culture and traditions as well,” voiced participants from the ‘Against Team’ at the 5th Inter College Debate Competition here today.
Altogether, 24 colleges across Nagaland took part in the competition, organized by Sazolie College under the topic “Liquor prohibition Act is good for the State”.
Speaking at the function as the chief guest MLA Vikho-o Yhoshü, advisor IT & Communication said the prohibition act is a burning issue of the state, which deserves to be debated.
“Our society needs to debate, the youth of today are the leader of tomorrow”, said Yhoshü.
Stating debate as sharing of thoughts and views, Yhoshü said it should be encouraged to share views that will enlighten on both side of the story.
“Our challenge is to do good to overcome evil, we should be ready and learn to respond with all the best in us”, commented Yhoshü.
He also called upon the students to make a difference, change for better and to expect a better tomorrow.
Professor Dr. Glen Thong, department of Geology, Nagaland University in his critic remark said Probihition Act is a contagious issue in Nagaland where the government and Nagaland Baptist Church council (NBCC) has miserably failed to enact the act. Citing examples of the Security force on duty in inebriated state, the state official function that flows with liquor, Thong opined that suggestions should be drawn from the societies on prohibition whether to retain or to withdraw.
Noting the importance of the NBCC, Thong also said that church can play an important role, on Alcoholism, meeting the people and retain the value of life.
Terming alcohol abuse that creates the problem in the society, Thong stated that prohibition has an impact on revenues and alleged Nagaland state has lost a huge amount of money that fails to bring ‘our lives at the highest level’.
Thong echoed that prohibition act should be lifted and government should check. “If other states can maintain, why not Nagaland state, government should restrict sale of liquor for minors and enforce stringent action against law breakers”, said Thong.
Sazolie College first conducted the debate competition in the year 2006, with the objective to enhance the students explore their talent competing at national and global level.
“Debate is a service of mental preparation for competition”, said Dr. Niu Whiso Kuotsu, Principal Sazolie college in his welcome address.
Litokba of Patkai Christian College (Motion) stood first position in individual category and pocketed a cash prize of `10,000. Vinito of Sazolie College (against team) and Hamdok of Kohima Science College (Against) stood second and third and awarded with ` 7500 and ` 5000 respectively.
Five consolation winners- Akong Temsu, Dimapur government college, (Against), Mehimo Apon, Mt.Olive College (Motion), Nitoka, Kohima College, (Motion), Inaka Achumi, Asian College Dimapur, (Against) and Aolemla of Baptist college (Motion) were also awarded Rs 1000 each.
Advocate Kezhokhoto Savi, lecturer Kohima Law College, Dr Kezha, MD Bethel Hospital Kohima and Dr. Jyoce, Programme manager, Nosal institute, India were the panel of judges for the event.
NBCC members, member prohibition committee, Secretary Sumi Hoho and a host of lecturers from different colleges participated in the day long competition.
