Imlisanen Jamir
It is quiet difficult to bring new perspectives into the alcohol prohibition debate in Nagaland, with over two decades worth of arguments presenting almost all sides to the discourse.
Almost all!
Arguments from the two main sides pitted in this fight over the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act—the Nagaland State Government and the Church—always plunge into a cyclical row. One side discusses the potential economic benefits of regulated liquor sale, and the other harps on the historical realities of prohibition’s origin in the state and the underlying moral/religious/ethical (however the phrasing may be) arguments to ban alcohol.
However, it would be a fallacy to perceive the debate as one between morals and economics. There is a deeper and arguably more important facet to this issue; the one about freedom and choice.
Case in point; most booze joints occupying both dingy street corners and open highways have their piles of liquor bottles tucked underneath shelves that sell tobacco products. While no one bats an eye at the sale of the products on the shelves, it is a whole different story for the cans and bottles underneath.
While it is tricky to pit these two vices against each other in terms which does more damage, the fact remains that prolonged usage of either are extremely harmful. It is therefore hypocritical to treat the two in such different ways.
The way to deal with tobacco has been sustained campaigns to sensitize people on its ill effects, and enforcement drives by both state and non state agencies to regulate its sale to minors. For adults however, it is left to them to make an informed choice. Not the same for alcohol.
Last week, The Morung Express carried a series of reports on the NLTP Act, the causes for its failure to attain any substantial goals, and whether there is any way forward.
One option explored in the series takes note of the limited prohibition effective in Mizoram. Mizoram’s version of the NLTP – the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1995 was replaced by the Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control (MLPC) Act, 2014. The MLPC came into force in early 2015 partially lifting the ban in its 7 districts, while total Prohibition remained in effect in 3 Autonomous Council territories.
Despite the Mizoram Government now making moves to re-impose total prohibition either due to “pressure from the Church” or in line with their economic manifesto, the fact remains that regulated sale, as is being done with tobacco, is the only foreseeable way forward. This will pave the way for holding accountable those agencies that now enforce prohibition only to garner publicity; enable united public pressure to ensure that regulations are strictly enforced, and allow for a consumer environment where people are trusted and empowered to make informed choices.
Comments can be sent to imlisanenjamir@gmail.com
