Liquor prohibition — Let govt decide what is best

The topic of liquor prohibition is once again in the news. The Govt of Nagaland proposes to revisit the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, with the possibility of partially lifting the prohibition in certain areas. It is reported that the government may introduce amendments to the NLTP Act during the upcoming Assembly session on August 27.

Not surprisingly, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has voiced strong opposition. A joint statement signed by 57 church leaders under NBCC expressed “grave concerns over the potential consequences of revisiting the Act…that could lead to severe social and spiritual repercussions”.

Here are a few thoughts on this never-ending debate that has been going on for the last few decades.

By common logic, an Act (NLTP) that has been there for the last nearly 35 years may need an honest and objective review to determine where it is going. The time and context in which the NLTP was enacted (in 1990) may not be the same in 2024. I believe the world has changed and we should be smart enough to engage with the present reality.

Both the institution of the government and church in Nagaland must work together in fulfilling the duties and functions assigned to it. I believe the church intervened for the greater good when the NLTP was first enacted by the government. The matter of liquor prohibition should now be left to the wisdom and judgment of the state government to decide what to do next.

Interestingly, the Church, while asserting that “revisiting the NLTP Act…was not the solution”, has instead advised the govt that “the focus should be on increasing transparency and accountability in governance”. I believe this advisory is equally applicable to the Church in Nagaland. Both should take steps to cleanse the corrupt system from within including the problem of illegal black money.

Lastly, if at all the NLTP Act is lifted (partially or fully), the public should demand that a specific provision is inserted to the proposed amendment where it is clearly mentioned as to how and where the revenue collected will be used for. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) may be created under an appropriate authority to use the revenue for specific sectors like health, education and road infrastructure.

Along Longkumer

Former Editor, The Morung Express