[dropcap]M[/dropcap]any thinkers have shared their views on NLTP Act 1989 in advantageous and dis-advantageous perspective for the good of the State. Nagaland being a Christian state, I feel that it should be free from alcoholism and other evil things as per our belief and faith. No religion and social norms permit people to indulge in evil practices. However, most importantly it depends on an individual’s choice of differentiating good and evil. Yes, the law of the land shall judge and punish the law breakers as per the quantum of offence committed.Now coming back to NLTP Act 1989, it surely must have been done for the good of the people 25 years ago. Let us truthfully analyze the span of time and success of NLTP Act impacted on our society. Here we need not be emotional of the issue, however we must be more practical. If a certain act enacted is not doing any good, why do we become adamant to drag on with it. I’m sure there must be a better reliable option to deal with the issue in positive aspect for a gradual acceptable change. Nowhere in the world any forceful act/rule has changed people’s behavior. Let us take for instance the NLTP Act 1989. After the Act was enforced, within 20(twenty) years (1989-2009) only 5900 cases were registered, on the other hand, between 2010-2014, 6020 cases were registered within 4(four) years (source from Excise Deppt). Honestly I appreciate the concerned excise department for their sincere performance in detecting prohibition offenders. However, at the same time, the number of cases booked in itself testify in four years that the act is not at all solving the objective/purpose of the NLTP Act. Rather it has made the Act a mockery for our state.
Therefore, I want to point out some practical effect of the act, since instead of doing good it has created greater damage in terms of:
1. Shortening of life span due to intake of adulterated spurious liquor
2. Mushrooming of spurious liquor selling places everywhere for monetary gain.
3. Easy accessibility of liquor by under age children and youth
4. Shady places for anti social elements and immoral activities
5. Nexus between bootleggers and law enforcing agencies
6. Individual drinkers pay double/triple the actual price to the bootleggers putting him and family in grave financial crisis
7. Draining away the state economy
These are just few scenarios that is happening because of NLTP Act. I’m sure that there are other numerous reasons affecting us. Nevertheless, it will depend on the government, churches and NGO’s to wisely take the decision.
If the Govt is serious in implementing the act, sufficient dedicated manpower should be created to check it. Even then I doubt it will work.
And if the Govt decides to revoke the act ten according anyone found in inebriated state must be penalized accordingly of fined as they do in other states.
Yeheto Zhimomi
Y Zhimo Colony, Dimapur
