Ri Therie Rilo
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]f late, many inputs both critical and analytical are being placed for public consumption by numerous writers in different forms. It is very encouraging to see the outpour of inspiring thinkers. However, it is also found that many are taking a neutral stand or just bringing partial views instead of stating precisely where they stand. Perhaps, all writers are not alcoholic but maybe some are yet, some of them also tend to remain neutral. Nevertheless, everyone has equal right to think and write their views. We find writers mentioning about how some religion takes on anti social elements in some part of the world or how our system of governance had failed the NLTP Act or even up to the extent of finding faults of NBCC for their feeble effort on a cause that they intensely stand for.One can’t help but feel that there is not going to be any difference either in lifting the Act or continuing the prohibition Act because, 70% or even more of our people have no moral lessons about ethical values. We are yet to learn hundreds of years of lesson to come to our sense. Look at our civic sense; take a dig at how we treat Government properties; think about how we take bribe during elections in terms of cash or sometime materials; Do the church bother to figure out how some people can give Rs. 50,000 or even 10,000 as tithe money per month? Imagine their income…. logistic or not?
The Churches had failed to instill many valuable moral lessons into the mindset of the people in a correct manner. Perhaps, it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that today’s some religious leaders are acting or becoming more like the Pharisees of the old testaments? Pardon my assumption but, without sense of control, determination, will-power, discipline and above all Christian ethical beliefs, no act will stop us from destroying ourselves. Let us be realistic and try to figure out what or where we should start to built our society from. Parents are failing their parts in educating their children according to the contemporary senses of life, even the children are partially to be blamed but slowly, all these factors had ultimately contribute into a society that we live in today. It’s time for the churches to cope up with the contemporary world and preach accordingly because, the truth and the right path is always found in the Bible somewhere.
As far as the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act is concern, I cannot understand why debate so much. Why can’t the government act or assure the public that this prohibition can be effective and underpinned instead of seeking opinion from the public? Or, if the ban needs to be lifted than, why is the Government shying away from explaining the complexity in dealing with the act? Is the Government saying that the act needs loopholes to be implemented? Why can’t a Government which is overwhelmingly voted to power take a decision on its own? Show the public the wisdom of the government which is with an absolute power. The noises of the people are heard and it is time for some decision to be heard. I hope the Government will act rightly.
Unless so, let me put it this way:
1. Alcohol will always be available.
2. Those who are consuming now will continue to consume whether the act is lifted or not but, not everyone will start drinking because the Act is lifted.
3. The revenue that will be generated by lifting this Act will only be pocketed by people in power (the Government) and, its (excise, police) officials, not the public who takes risks and benefits from it today.
4. Perhaps only non-Nagas will be benefitted because any sane Naga will not open a wine store even if the ban is lifted. Who (any Naga) would wants to be a wine store manager or owner and be a Christian at the same time? Is there anyone till today?
5. NPGs taxes will still be effective and syndicated dealings will even be made more effective by lifting this act because the source of inflow and income will be more easily accessible. So whats the difference?
