Nagaland: Prohibition issue ferments ‘spirited’ debate at State Assembly

Morung Express News
Kohima | August 28

The Fifth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Tuesday witnessed heated debates over the three-decade-old Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989. 

Initiating the discussion under matter of urgent public importance as ‘Health Hazards of Spurious Liquor’ Advisor for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer highlighted the Act’s shortcomings and suggested a possible amendment.

Attributing the ‘impaired’ Act’s to various factors, including lack of awareness campaigns and alternative source of income to the traditional local brewer as well as porous borders with Assam, he indicated that it is nearly impossible to effectively implement the Act due to lack of effective enforcement with a meagre 336 Nagaland excise personnel with outdated fire arms and limited mobility.

To this end, Longkumer proposed that the government should reconsider the revisit of the Act and if amended, the department should strengthen its enforcement efforts. This would include stricter enforcement measures, regulated business hours for retail stores and bars, and a minimum age of 21 for alcohol consumption.

The discussion came amidst growing concerns over the health hazards associated with spurious liquor in the State. With numerous legislators participating in the discussion, the majority advocated for repealing the Act, while others expressed neutrality or opposition.”

‘Thirty-four years is enough time’
For those who were in favour of lifting the Act, they were of the view that 34 years is enough time to gauge its failure or success.

Even the most advanced countries in the world have failed to successfully implement the prohibition act and the intake of food and drinks is an individual’s choice, some contended. 

Minister Temjen Imna Along viewed that despite the best efforts by the department, police and excise, it has given rise to more bootleggers resorting to spurious liquor in all forms all over the state, which is completely ruining the health, especially the young people.

“Times have changed, it is time that we look into the problems which are affecting our society,” he pointed out, asserting that the government of the day has to take a decisive decision knowing very well the pros and cons of the Act.

“We hope the bootleggers of Nagaland are not the winners,” he added. 

“Thirty years is a long time, and lifting of prohibition will not increase the existing flow of liquor,” opined Advisor Dr Kekhrie Yhome.

While observing that there is a common feeling that lifting of prohibition is going to create ‘anarchy and brings us lesser away from our God,’ he reminded that no civilisation has been destroyed by booze or liquor.

“Today, the locus standi of certain section of society is based on the belief that individual liberty must be controlled in the interest of the public welfare,” however, personal liberty should not be allowed to mitigate or upsurge the interest of the community, he asserted. 

“The kind of fanatism which is driving us against demonising food is bad. We cannot afford to go back to the medieval age, and apply rules of medieval legislation” stated Yhome.

Likewise, Advisor, KT Sukhalu noted that 34 years is ‘enough time’ to measure the Act, calleing for an honest assessment 
‘34 years is not a matter of joke and that ‘we’ cannot to afford to be like ostriches burying ‘our’ heads in the sand, he added.

Unintended consequences cannot be ignored
While prohibition may have some benefits, MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso said the drawbacks and unintended consequences cannot be ignored. 

Rather than a blanket ban, focus should be given on education, awareness about responsible drinking, strict regulations of sales and consumption, support for addiction treatment and rehabilitation, and also encourage a culture of moderation and responsibility, he proposed. 

Dr Rhutso suggested a trial period to assess the potential consequences of lifting the Act, including increased crime, alcohol-related diseases, or a return to the problems of the 1980s. If If these issues do not arise, he advocated for immediate consultation and action.

MLA Nuklutoshi argued that the Act was not only a complete failure but had actually caused more problems for the state and its citizens, and questioned its value.

If the Act could not serve its purpose after 30 years, it will not bring any positive change in the future, he argued, o adding that Naga people’s hypocrisy has reached the zenith.

Strengthen the Act 
“Those in favour of implementing the Act suggested reinforcing the workforce with stricter measures, arguing that ‘saving lives’ is more important than economic considerations.

‘Lifting partially or in totality is not the right option,” stated P Longon, arguing that even if it is lifted, it will come back to square one and it is not a wise decision.

Making a U-turn, Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu has also proposed for more stringent implementation and suggested for listening to the voice of the people.

“It is essential to prioritise the wellbeing of individuals and families more than anything else, as money and development will have no value when our citizens are destroyed,” added Kudecho Khamo.

Message to the Church
Strongly asserting his views, Nuklutoshi maintained that a church must based its teachings on scripture and do its spiritual battle and not otherwise.

“Church and politics should play their respective roles. They must understand theirs and political jurisdiction. The duty of the church is to bring salvation to the people, and the duty of the government is to fulfil the economy of the people” he stated. 

Acknowledging that the government has failed in many ways, he also stated that the Church too had failed on its part while doing nothing on seminars, educational workshops on alcohol related issues, but pressuring the government for more stringent measures.

While strongly voicing for lifting of the Act, Achumbemo Kikon also stated that the Church should concentrate on spiritual aspects rather than interfering in the affairs of the government.

Let the government concentrate on the welfare of the people,” he said, suggesting the formation of a committee comprising various experts, including recovering alcoholics. He also added that the majority’s voice in favour of abolishing the Act should be heeded.

Jwenga Seb, TN Mannen, Dr. Neisato Mero, Dr. Sukhato Sema, KG Kenye also participated in the discussion.