As the debate on the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989 rages on, the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) has just declared its position on the issue in the form of a written declaration appended by its Executive Secretary. It did not come as a surprise because such a declaration was expected. What, however, came as a surprise was that the document did not project any empirical evidence to substantiate the claims made therein, nor were the arguments put forth strong enough to convince the undecided observer. As the document itself made mention, much has been talked about the Act and there was nothing new in the document to tilt the balance towards its position. No doubt, the document has served its purpose because it has solidified ABAM’s position on the issue and has given fillip to the opponents of lifting the Act.
The ongoing debate must be appreciated by all as it embodies the spirit of democratic method of resolving problems. The government is expected to invite all stakeholders, including church bodies, to a consultative meeting on the proposal for lifting the Act. The position of ABAM, and that of NBCC, is now known to everyone. Likewise, the intent of the government of the day is clear. Unlike the outcome of the consultative meeting on ULB Elections and Naga Peace Process held on March 9, the proposed meeting on NLTP Act, if at all it is called, might not be conclusive as one would expect.
Mokokchung Times