Law and religion

As the Nagaland Legislative Assembly convenes its session from August 27 to August 29, the proposal to revisit the controversial Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989 is expected to dominate discussions. The opposition-less government, led by the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), faces a critical moment where it must decide whether it can “walk the talk” regarding the review of this long-debated Act. The NLTP Act, which has been in place for over three decades, continues to ignite intense debate due to its perceived ineffectiveness and the near-impossible task of enforcing it, as has been historically proven in regions where prohibition has been attempted. The origins of the NLTP Act are rooted in political and societal pressures. In 1989, the Congress government was effectively coerced into enacting the law, with few having the courage to challenge the Church, which strongly advocated for prohibition. However, three decades of experience have taught both the government and the public that those who advocate against the evils of alcohol must critically reassess the issue. The focus should not merely be on the visible sins associated with alcohol but also on the unseen societal sins that persist without it. Alcohol flows freely in Nagaland, but in the shadows—untaxed, unregulated, and unaccountable. The law, rather than eradicating the perceived sins associated with alcohol, has simply pushed them underground, creating a system riddled with corruption and hypocrisy. As previously mentioned in this column, what is urgently needed is a holistic reform of society- both spiritual and social- and a government that is committed to truth, justice, transparency, and accountability. As the Assembly debates the NLTP Act, it must not lose sight of the broader issues plaguing the state.The state faces more pressing issues, such as corruption, illegal taxation, rising drug use, and the breakdown of social values, which the church and other stakeholders need to address seriously. Among these pressing concerns is the “elephant in the room”-the rampant illegal and unauthorized collections and taxations by nearly 25 factions and over 100 organizations, unions, and committees. These activities, along with the monopolization of the market , have distorted the free enterprise system, leading to significant economic challenges. The state’s deteriorating infrastructure, including its roads, perennial power shortages, and economic struggles, has led to an exodus of business entrepreneurs to other states, further exacerbating the economic woes of Nagaland. In essence, the attempt to enforce prohibition has shown that such policies, however noble in intent, can often lead to outcomes that are more harmful than the issues they were meant to address. The lesson for policymakers is clear: laws that are difficult or impossible to enforce can end up doing more harm than good, exacerbating the very problems they seek to solve. As the assembly debates the NLTP Act, it is crucial that the discussion does not become myopically liquor-centric. Both the legislative body and the church must recognize that while alcohol consumption is a concern, it is but one symptom of deeper societal issues. The focus should be on fostering a society grounded in truth, justice, and accountability. Spiritual and social reforms are imperative, and they require a government that is transparent, committed to the rule of law, and leaders of the faith community walk-the-talk.