Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener
Executive Secretary, ABAM, Impur
Much has been said, written, and debated about the NLTP Act, 1989 and varying proposals brought forward by different stakeholders. Proponents for the government seems to cry over the loss of “possible revenue” for the state and how Assam continues to benefit from the Act. On the other hand, there are those who mull about the inflow of spurious liquor in Nagaland because of this act and how it destroys the health of the consumers. While both concerns are remarkable, alcohol in itself does not have a lot of positive qualities. In the first place it destroys the health of an individual.
There are no cases of health improving due to the consumption of alcohol. Besides health, human relationships bear the brunt of alcohol abuse in the family and the community. Additionally, neither the economy of the individual nor that of the family demonstrated growth due to the consumption of alcohol; rather, it depletes it. The only group that stands to benefit from alcohol are those who manufacture it, those who earn an income from it as tax revenue and those who sell it. The ratio of those who benefit must probably on the lower spectrum, much lower. Other than that, we as a people, all of us, continue to be at the losing end of alcohol.
Having said that, this was a people’s movement under the leadership of the church. Yes, the church saw the ill effects of alcohol in the society. The church was a witness to lives it damaged, relationships it destroyed, dreams it snuffed and communities it reduced to hopelessness. While alcoholism ravaged lives, many Nagas are far from being responsible consumers of alcohol. Just ask non Nagas about our behaviour around the use of alcohol and they will, in a heartbeat, call many of us reckless. Therefore, the church took upon itself as a moral responsibility to safeguard a promising nation and once again raise the level of self-respect of a people in crisis. The tears of Naga mothers and the prayers of church leaders were collective a cry for the restoration and redemption of a people.
Just because it did not work for Americans or other western countries does not mean likewise everywhere. The morality of western nations must not be used as an ideal yardstick for Nagas. If a house is dirty and filled with cobwebs, you don’t burn it. Rather, you clean it. So also must the NLTP Act, 1989. We admit there are loopholes and those must be immediately addressed. The government must not look at the Act half-hearted. There has to be the will to ensure it is effective and that systems and mechanisms are put in place to strengthen it. ABAM sees the NLTP Act, 1989 as a “spiritual bridle” that safeguards Nagas against the ill effects of alcohol in the community. The church and all its partners certainly need to do more in its advocacy and care programs. To that end, ABAM is committed to ensuring that greater and more comprehensive advocacy messages are disseminated and that adequate and appropriate services, along with pastoral care are provided. We admit, we need to do more especially for those affected by alcoholism and their families. And towards all of these strategies, we are firm in our commitment and remain resolute in our call for the building of lives.
ABAM, along with NBCC and all stakeholders, raise our unyielding voice for the continuation and the strengthening of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prevention Act, 1989 and vehemently opposes its lifting.
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)