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09/04/2005: "PRESS STATEMENT NAGA HOHO"

PRESS STATEMENT NAGA HOHO (Dated Kohima, 2nd September 2005)
Despite the unrelenting and obnoxious statements, often coupled with deliberate action of contempt against Nagas by United Committee Manipur (UCM) and others from the Imphal valley organizations and other elements, the Naga Hoho has never responded with ill feelings or sense of being intimidated in any way. Rather, we have always extended our hands of friendship, which were made to “grope in the dark”; although we always appreciated the difficulties they have and patiently continue to look forward to positive reciprocation. But these efforts are seemingly read from very negative perspectives, which now threaten to even disturb the prevailing good-will and neighbourly relationship, if not guarded in time.

The recent emotional outburst against the Naga MLAs and MP for participating in the Naga Integration Rally held at Kohima on 31st August 2005 by the UCM can be seen as one of the “coffin nails” to the Naga-Meitei bond of friendship if not corrected before it goes in too deep. When even non-Nagas were participating in the Integration Rally, why should Nagas not participate, and least of all our leaders?

As a first step, the Naga Hoho will only advice the UCM not to go beyond the precipice, but rather consolidate themselves, take their community into confidence and help strengthen our neighborly relationships. Nagas have always lived together emotionally and physically and are only trying to remove the artificial and geo-political boundaries, which have reduced our humanity, and have not sacrificed our past generations for nothing.

The Naga Hoho once again thank every person that have made the Integration Rally a “dream come true” and to the thousands that thronged the Capital City Kohima from every nook and corner of Naga areas in Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and even Burma (Myanma). The Naga Hoho will pursue this manifestation of the Naga people in whatever way possible and imperative.
Sd/- Neingulo Krome General Secretary, Naga Hoho. Kohima, Nagaland.
Nagaland Public Service Commission under fire Dimapur, September 3, 2005 Hindustan Times The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has demanded that the state public service commission offer a detailed explanation and tender a public apology for "errors" it committed in the recently conducted Nagaland civil and allied service examinations, and the graduate teachers' examination prior to that. The NSF urged the Vigilance Commission to make public its investigation into the functioning of the NPSC. The federation has demanded that the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) clarify the measures being taken by the commission to address issues raised by candidates. "The voice of the people would be heard in more than just press releases", the union said, "if the issues were not addressed in the right manner".
It said the number of errors detected by candidates in question papers was "staggering". "If three weeks were insufficient for the NPSC to come up with a question paper in this age of technology, then no amount of time would be enough," the NSF said.

Congress questions Rio’s stand on integration
DIMAPUR, Sept 3: In its role of a sensible and efficient Opposition, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress, the Opposition party in Nagaland, has not let any opportunity to go in vain that can put the ruling DAN government or the state Chief Minister, who is none other than a former Congressmen, in an embarrassing situation. This time, once again, it was the turn of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, to face the Congress salvo because of his stand and the message he sent to the Nagas back home who in a large number from the nook and corners of Naga areas gathered at Kohima to pledge to live as one people in a unified homeland on August 31. Rio in his message to the Nagas from New Delhi sent concurrently while attending the Indian National Integration Council meeting, said: “Integration of all Nagas is the road to solution of the Naga political problem,” adding, “integration is the legitimate birthright of the Naga people”. “The question is that, can the Chief Minister of Nagaland have two different integrations? The one he participated in Delhi and the other that he encourages and claims to be his birthright as Naga,” asked the Pradesh Congress.

The national party said it was surprised to go through the statement made by Rio. Viewing his statement that integration is the legitimate birthright of the Naga people, Hokheto Sumi, president, NPCC, wondered as to how the Chief Minister can have two different integrations – “the one he had participated in Delhi and the other he encourages and claims to be his birthright as Naga”.

At a time when thousands of Nagas from Naga-inhabited areas were voicing their strong desire to the Government of India and others that Nagas want to live together in one land as one family in Naga Integration Rally at Kohima on Wednesday, the state Chief Minister was busy participating the Indian National Integration Council meeting addressed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at New Delhi. The party also seriously resented Rio’s statement, that a hundred per cent security could not be provided to the Manipur-bound vehicle, made during the ANSAM-sponsored economic blockade.

NPMHR for a Unified Naga homeland 31st August 2005, Kohima press release
The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) taking the opportunity of this mammoth gathering (Integration Rally) of the Naga peoples reaffirms our strong commitment towards striving for the unification of all Naga areas. NPMHR believes that the unification of all Naga people and their ancestral lands into one political entity is a natural fundamental necessity. NPMHR acknowledges that the present physical barrier imposed upon the Naga people and their ancestral homeland is one of the main causes of our physical and emotional separation. This environment has further accentuated the emergence of divergence in ideas, perception and of division (conflict). Therefore in order for the Naga people to determine our future together we must come together physically, emotionally and spiritually with a united purpose. Any political settlement arrived at between the Government of India and the Naga people must involve removing the arbitrary state imposed boundaries that stand in the way of the Nagas exercising their natural and inherent rights as one political entity. It is imperative that unification of Naga homeland must form the minimum basis for any lasting settlement to take place. Our land is our life and we owe it to our generations to come to prudently solve it without compromising the ancestral heritage left to us by our ancestors. NPMHR firmly believes in the unity of land and people. NPMHR reaffirms the right of the Naga people to live as one geo-political entity and that the unification of Naga areas is inalienable towards Nagas exercising their sovereign rights as any respectable nation and people on earth. Kuknalim! Nepuni Piku, Secretary General NPMHR.
"Violation of human rights in any part of the world is a threat to the human race as a whole and protection and promotion of human rights anywhere is a concern of all."

Mani for debate on integration The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Sept 3: Khaidem Mani, president, All Manipur Bar Association, has suggested that an open debate on the issue of Manipur`s integrity and Naga unification should be held to settle the stalemate peacefully. Addressing mediapersons at AMBA as a social worker, Mani said that an internationally or nationally reputed news agency like BBC or NDTV should organise the debate and it should be held anywhere in India except the north east. He further stated that there should be 10 participants each, who are experts in the fields, from both sides and they should have authenticated books and documents to support their arguments. The public in general and the media in particular should be the judge and the decisions of the judges should be binding upon both sides. He observed that this will bring a permanent solution and confrontations can be avoided. Referring to some excerpts from Nagaland daily Morung Express wherein Nagaland home minister and Manipur`s outer MP made remarks about dividing the land of Nagas without their consent, Mani raised certain questions to the leaders of Naga integration on the name, location, size, language, ruler, population, people, etc of the "unified and undivided land of Nagas".
Stating that it is ethically and morally wrong to speak against another community, he observed that Manipur`s integrity is not a threat to any state or community but Naga`s unificationss threatens the neighbouring states and communities. He said that the NSCN (IM)-GOI talk is welcome but disintegration of Manipur or any other states should not be a part of it.

Mani kick starts Lim debate Source: The Sangai Express Imphal, September 03: Taking serious note of the remarks made by Nagaland Home Minister Thenucho and Manipur MP Mani Charenamei during the Naga integration rally held on August 31 at Kohima, All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) president Khaidem Mani Singh has posed a series of questions on the movement for Naga integration. Addressing a press conference at the AMBA office located within the Cheirap Court complex today, Khaidem Mani demanded to know the name of the nation/land, if the Nagas have had ever lived as one in their history, the geographical area covered by it, the boundary and the official language spoken.
He also wanted to know the names of the kings who ruled over the Naga people in such a nation, the total population and number of tribes or communities who lived in such a political entity. Khaidem clarified that these questions have been posed not in his capacity as AMBA president but as an Indian citizen and social worker who has deep concern for the territorial integrity of Manipur. He also advocated an open debate on the topic of ‘Manipur territorial integrity versus Naga Integrity: Which one is justifiable?’.
The debate may be held anywhere outside North East and 10 speakers each from both the sides should be selected with an internationally acclaimed media organisation as the third group, Khaidem proposed. He expressed optimism that such debate could not dispel any sort of animosity and tension existing among the Nagas and non-Naga people. However, he hastened to add, that ‘fortunately there has been no communal tension among the ethnic groups settling in both the hill and the valley areas of the State’, and gave the credit to the various social and voluntary organisations working in Manipur for this. ‘We have nothing to say against Naga sovereignty, but the process of Naga integration should not affect existing territorial integrity of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh’, Khaidem said. NSCN (I-M) and Govt of India can carry on with their peace talks, but it should not be at the cost of the territorial integrity of the neighbouring States, he stated categorically.
Debate on integration issue Manipur Intellectual moots discussion at neutral venue Newmai News Network September 3
IMPHAL: Noted personality of Manipur and well known human rights activist and legal Advocate Khaidem Mani Singh has called for an intellectual debate on the Manipur and Naga integration issue. Talking to media persons at his office this evening, Khaidem Mani Singh has suggested that the best way to solve the impasse over the integration issue is to have a good debate comprising of ten intellectuals each from both the parties at a neutral venue, say New Delhi. The human rights activist said that the persons who should judge such debates should be media persons or intellectuals from mainland India or even from some international media groups or organizations.
"This is to bring peaceful solution to the impasse", said the activist. He further pointed out that if the result of the debate goes in favour of Naga integration then the process for a unified Naga Homeland should go ahead without any protest. "And in the event of the result going in favour of the group who are against the breaking up of Manipur then the movement for Naga unification should stop immediately," said Khaidem Mani. "My initiative is to deal with things without giving any room for whipping up communal tension", said the noted human rights activist. Elaborating on the technicalities of the Naga integration movement, Khaidem Mani said that Naga unification or integration amounts to breaking up of the States of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Similarly maintaining Manipur’s territorial integrity would amount to going against the aspiration of Naga integration. "This is an extremely sensitive issue and an open debate in good faith by concerned people is the only solution for a peaceful ending," said Khaidem Mani. Khaidem Mani who is also the President of All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) has said that he was not clear regarding the demand made by those leaders who are spearheading the Naga integration movement. He said, the Naga leaders had been maintaining that the British had put/divided the Nagas into different States of India or country (Myanmar). "But what I want to ask is the name of that Naga Kingdom or country that they had been living in a unified Naga kingdom before the British divided them". He further asked, about the common language of that undivided Naga kingdom. "Who was the King or the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister of that undivided Naga country before the British rule in India?" Khaidem Mani however clarified that his point of view should not be interpreted on communal lines but as an after thought with a desire to clear the problems peacefully.
NPSC owes detailed apology: NSF Morung Express News September 3
Kohima: The Naga Students Federation has stated that the recent examination conducted by the Nagaland Public Service Commission has become another point of reference for the people of Nagaland to decry the incompetence of the premier recruiting agency in the State of Nagaland. "The number of irregularities detected by the aspiring candidates in the question papers of the NCS and Allied Services mains examination and the graduate Teachers examination prior to that are simply staggering, especially considering that the NPSC has done pretty little to allow the public to repose faith in them," a press release issued by the NSF stated. While stating that the NPSC should ‘recognize and appreciate’ that the measures it had taken in this regard was only a small fraction in the whole process of restoration of justice, the student body has asserted that three weeks was ample time for the State recruiting agency to come up with a compatible question paper. Further, the NSF has said that any mistake committed by the "Professional Company" under the contract of the NPSC to set question papers is the sole responsibility of the latter. In the light of the above development, the NPSC owes a detailed explanation and apology to the public at the earliest. Clarification should be made in the context of pre-emptive measures being taken by the NPSC to address issues being raised by aspiring candidates through the press media as well as to ensure that such irregularities do not happen again in the future," the NSF release added. The NSF has also urged the Vigilance Commission to publicize the progress of its investigation into the NPSC scam in whatever way it deemed fit so that ‘such a revelation does not hinder the process of investigation.’
Public outcry after women die after injections Hindustan Times Kohima, September 3, 2005 Sensation prevails in the Thonoknyu area in the Nagaland's Tuensang district after elderly women died after allegedly being given injections by the local primary health centre (PHC) doctor, in what is being considered another pointer towards the dismal health facilities in the state. Khiungsushü Tikhir, wife of the headman of Tuensang town and Tsünungshü Tikhir, the second victim are said to have died "within 10 to 15 minutes" after being administered injections by Dr GK Sharma at his official residence in Thonoknyu. According to the sources the women went into convulsions and died after some 10 to15 minutes later. Not satisfied with the doctor and a staff nurse of the PHC being arrested by the police, the town's people have forced local administration to hold up the salaries of the PHC staff. Tuensang police has meanwhile confirmed the report and said the doctor and the nurse have been forwarded to judicial custody. Thonoknyu town is a remote town located 96 km from Tuensang town with no state transport bus service and extremely poor communication facilities. The lone PHC in the area caters to ten villages in the region.
NH-39 to see new security measures Security escorts to be provided to trucks everyday from today Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 02: The State Government has decided to provide security escorts to essential carriers of goods including petroleum product carriers along NH-39 every day with effect from tomorrow. Earlier security escort was provided on alternate days on this route. Disclosing this, a source informed the press that this was conveyed to transporters during a meeting convened by IGP (LO-II) A Romenkumar at the Police Headquarters today morning. A number of police officers including DIG Range I Dinokumar, CO of 1st IRB Laxmi Prasad hhetry and Imphal West Additional SP Th Radhyeshyam were present. The Deputy Manager of IOC and the IOCL (AOD) MKK Pegoo were also present. Representatives of the Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association, Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association and All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers' Union were also present at the meeting. During the meeting, the IGP informed the transporters that anti-social elements have been troubling goods laden trucks as well as empty trucks leaving Manipur to lift goods from outside the State in between Sekmai and Sapermeina along NH-39. With a view to neutralise the activities of the anti-social elements, a new security strategy will be put into place, informed Romen, said the source further. To enable empty trucks to leave Imphal and lift goods from outside the State, the transporters were told to report at Kangla one day ahead or before 5 am of the day of departure. The empty trucks will leave at 6 am and will be escorted upto Mao and from there security will be provided by Nagaland police. The same team will escort back the loaded trucks from Mao gate at 2 pm till Imphal, said the source further. The OC of Sekmai police has also been instructed to ensure that no empty truck proceeds beyond Sekmai without security escort, said the source and added that the OC of Mao police too has been directed to see that no loaded trucks leave Mao Gate without security escort. Yesterday a large number of empty trucks were made to turn back towards Imphal by some gun wielding men near Sekmai on the ground that no vehicles should ply on NH-39.
The documents of some trucks were also seized by the armed persons. According to a reliable source, the documents of about 100 trucks have been seized along NH-39 and the owners are having a hard time trying to get back the impounded documents. Given the circumstances a number of drivers are reluctant to take the NH-39 route, said a source. After crossing Mao, each truck has to pay hefty taxes to an underground outfit and what is more the drivers are also subjected to a lot of hardship and inconvenience along the way on this route, said the source further. The Government seems oblivious to the plight of the drivers they said and added that the Govt should concentrate on developing NH-53 first.
DIALOGUE Should prohibition be lifted? Morung Express
Prohibition in Nagaland is just a paper act…it can never succeed and no one can have a holier than thou art attitude…correct me if prohibition has restrained alcoholism Atongla Rothrong
Reporter, The Morung Express
The enormous task of changing our attitude and approach towards a progressive mindset and also to disagree with various problems distressing our society is very much in the mind of everybody today. But can anybody pinpoint as to which problem is the worst of all? Doubtful, I should say. Was it just yesterday or was it in the last decade that Nagaland was declared a dry state? Conceded that Nagas are voracious drinkers and many cases of alcohol abuse have been heard of. Then what of the numerous cases of rape, drug abuses, robberies and killings? Like minded people would agree that the cases cited are the main threats faced by our people today. Nagaland was declared a ‘Dry State’ and a ban was imposed on the sale and manufacture of liquor in Nagaland by the government under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act ’89. Prohibition in simple words means banning the manufacture, distribution, sale and consumption of intoxicants. Drinking has been considered a social evil and is cursed upon. Wine is often described as ‘liquid fire’. Just like the fire destroys everything to ashes so does intake of liquor masticates through not only our physical health but also the mental and moral values. Nagas as written in the pages of the local history and said through the ages are accustomed to drinking since time immemorial and today’s generation are practicing it in the open especially during the Local festivals. Then why is it that we are making a hue and cry about the lifting of the prohibition act. The prohibition act prevailing in the state has not worked out in a very effective manner. In spite of the Prohibition which is still in force, the sell of illicit liquor in local bars is found in abundance. Even though the import of foreign liquor is restricted, there has been surplus in the supply of locally made beers, which the law-keepers have failed to look into. One should keep in mind that for the success in implementation of the act the co-operation of all the section of people is essential.
Enforcement of any kind of prohibition has so far not yielded any positive results in the world. It is therefore not surprising that during the recent Assembly Session the Committee on Estimates (CE) recommended measures for the government to take, for the ‘effective implementation of partial prohibition’ in the State. The Committee in its 79th Report on the Estimate of the Excise Department (Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act-1989) has stated that limited numbers of licenses for sale of liquor, only during limited time and day may be issued. However this should be made after proper verification of age of applicant and location of shop. For effective implementation of partial prohibition, the Committee also recommended that reputed hotels and restaurants may be issued with licenses to sell, consume within the hotel precincts, while the quality of alcohols should be strictly checked and controlled, dry days should be strictly observed and those not adhering to rules should be imposed with fines or their license seized. Further the report also suggested that the volume/quantity of consumption of liquors be strictly regulated by issue of orders to the proprietors, owners and sellers in the hotels/restaurants. It also suggested that shops selling alcohol should be warned against selling to minors and failure to abide would lead to fines or cancellation of licenses. The proposal also suggested that identity card may be issued for consumers after properly verifying their age while restrictions be made for the volume/quantity purchased by an individual or hotel in a day. Other restriction for implementing partial prohibition was that, liquor shops should not located anywhere near school, church or office premises.
The Committee also recommended that unruly behavior emerging out of drunkenness, drunken driving and disruption of public safety be checked and dealt with strict actions. It also suggested that law enforcing agencies should see to it that the armed forces did not sell above the prescribed limit/quota. The random out flow of liquor should be strictly checked, restriction to drink in public places etc should be strictly enforced and unauthorized sale and use should be dealt with stringent measures, the report stated. It was also suggested that the revenue earned should be used for generating employment and also to promote awareness programs on the evil effects of liquor. It was also suggested that the panchayat, area council members, youth of the locality be authorized to help the authorities in checking illegal sale and use of alcohol. The above recommendations should be welcomed and partial lifting of liquor prohibition can be experimented with. The Committee has put in place sufficient a check in order to curb any untoward incident if at all prohibition is partially lifted. If one is to go deep into its research it is known that when there was no prohibition in the State, only a few wine stores existed but with the coming of Prohibition Act one can find shops, Restaurants and even private residences dealing in the lucrative business of wine selling at such high cost. It is common knowledge that when it comes to economy Nagas are zero. The State Government should, instead of losing crores of rupees annually, withdraw the prohibition act and make the most of the revenue to generate resources for the local economy. It can only be through an effort of all like minded individuals, and Social Groups by organizing programmes to reach out to those who are abused because every individual has a mind of their own. "Nagaland for Christ" was declared and being a Christian state and letting liquor co-exist does not sound well and also is not appreciated by the masses. Our society has deteriorated rapidly where our younger generation has become the victims of intoxicating substance especially of liquor. Consumption of liquor has already ruined many happy homes and had impoverished many rich and prosperous families. It has also ruined many of the young promising careers. As for the Church bodies, a civilized citizen should be able to comprehend that ‘Nagaland for Christ’ is the slogan that our State stands by. But the church should also be rational in the matter of the prohibition act. Proverbs 9: 17-18 says; "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!" But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave’. So if an individual wants to indulge in it let it be, maybe the good job on the part of the Church would be by providing the alcohol victims by organizing alcoholic anonymous(AA) programmes and counseling and thereby bringing them closer to God. Correct me if prohibition has restrained alcoholism? It will be an offense to our understanding if someone comes up with a constructive reply. If the prohibition act persists then the State Government should have an alternative for those indulging in alcohol via extra-curricular activities. A survey done says that more than 50% of the youths who are drug addicts presently were alcoholics before but due to the prohibition and high cost of liquor they had opted for drugs and we do know that drug users are one of the sources of spreading HIV/AIDs. As a norm, Nagas have the attitude of aping the west and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the drug users of Nagaland start to sell their blood to support their habit, like the drug addicts of Cambodia. It is highly likely that HIV prevalence in Nagaland will rapidly increase. So it would be better if the Government deviate from the prohibition act and delve into matters more serious.
If at all the Act is lifted then the quality of liquor will be far better than the ones that are available in the black market now. I moreover believe that the cravings would naturally subside for people in general go in for things that (here alcohol) are hard to find within their environment. Further, due to accumulating of mega bucks through the so called illegal business, the dealers resort to adulterating the refined bottled liquor which eventually results in early damage of health. The option to reduce the frequency of the alcohol consumption or to make it legal is a combination of two. For people who take alcohol is no different than any other person, it’s just that the choice of dependency is different. Prohibition act in Nagaland is just a paper act after all. We, see hardly anyone in a drunken brawl in the neighboring States where there is no prohibition but here in Nagaland where prohibition act is said to be prevailing it not a new sight to encounter drunkenness. Point taken that some people take alcohol or are unable to stop or unwilling to stop them. Coming to the end of my dialogue, as far as the mega potential of tourism industry is concerned- we are doing our best to enhance tourism in our State and if prohibition is a constraint for the flow of tourists than there is every reason to consider partial lifting of the Act. Prohibition Act can never succeed and no one can have a holier than thou attitude. If one wants to survive longer, that’s their decision, freedom should not be denied to anyone because in my opinion, concern is right and action is wrong. Under no authority can a State say no to this, except perhaps in a communist State.
Yes, alcohol is available and some people drink but it is also true that bootleggers can be arrested, liquor bottles seized, smashed, set to flame—at least something is done. There is less evil. Prohibition has made the business of liquor illegal. The law is there. This is a good thing in itself.Dr T Jamedi Longkumer
College Lecturer
The recent debate in the media regarding the prohibition issue has been most interesting and thought provoking. Let me start by examining the accusations made against prohibition. It gives me no pleasure to say this but some have smeared and blackened the face of prohibition to such an extent that it is no longer recognizable. Here I hope to attempt the unenviable task of cleaning up.
Some people have reasoned that prohibition has given rise to "other evils" like bootlegging and the drug menace besides other. The argument is put across in such a way so as to blame prohibition for giving birth, nurturing, and encouraging these evils. Let me first tackle the bootlegging accusation. It is well known that bootlegging is a problem, an evil everywhere—prohibition or no prohibition. There will always be anti-socials and criminal elements in a society who would take to the business even if there is no prohibition in the state: (some say lifting of prohibition would end bootlegging) bootleggers would still thrive. The possibility of evading taxes and making large profit is always an appealing proposition to the demon of greed in man. Thus in a no-prohibition scenario we would have not only the so-called legal liquor store but also the non-legal outlets. Such a state would be worse than any present prohibition predicament—at least now we have one less tentacle of the evil octopus. No! I am not saying that the presence of bootlegging is a preferable option—bootleggers must be arrested, there must be retribution for their crime. I am just saying that it is not correct to blame prohibition for the presence of bootlegging. The second accusation against prohibition is that it is responsible for drug addiction problem in the society. Forgive me, but seriously I find this accusation is misplaced. For, in the first place the drug problem was not and is not an isolated Nagaland—centred phenomenon. It came from Southeast Asia like an unstoppable tsunami during the 1980s and enveloped the whole of North east and in fact the whole of India. Prohibition did not invite it; it came on its own, in its own time. Many young people out of curiosity tried it, got hooked, wasted their lives and died. It is sad but I fail to comprehend on what basis it is argued that there would have been less drug-related casualty if there was no prohibition. Take for instance the situation in our neighbouring sister states—the dimension of drug problem is as serious as everywhere, prohibition or no prohibition. So there is no way we can blame prohibition for the drug problem in the society. In fact, I think prohibition played a crucial role in controlling and limiting the fire from being blown to greater proportion. Please do not crucify prohibition for everything you can think of.
Some quarters have expressed the fear that prohibition can be an impediment, a major hurdle for tourism promotion in the state. The question to be asked here is, is our land, our heritage so poor? Do we have to depend on alcohol to attract tourists? This fear is unfounded. Our culture is so rich; nature has endowed us with much beauty that if properly packaged and harnessed Nagaland could easily become a tourist hotspot. We have so much to offer and share with the world; let’s stop worrying about liquor and cease using the argument as a rationale for lifting the prohibition. Some people have questioned the "performance" of prohibition, questioned its success. It is true that prohibition has not produced the desired results but does it imply that it is useless, a failure? Yes, alcohol is available and some people drink but it is also true that bootleggers can be arrested, liquor bottles seized, smashed, set to flame—at least something is done. There is less evil. Prohibition has made the business of liquor illegal. The law is there. This is a good thing in itself. Of course, this law is not foolproof to aberrations, anomalies and violation in the same way as for instance, the law against theft and murder cannot stop all acts of theft and murder from happening. Because some dead-conscience people flout the law of the land; does it mean that the law is useless? If we follow this line of argument then obviously we will have to conclude that all laws are meaningless, which is not the case as a matter of fact. Laws serve two purposes. Firstly, it is expected to deter acts of crime (deterrence), and secondly, punish the offender. The authority of law is the basis of civil society. It maintains and gives the semblance of sanity to brute man. Imagine the scenario in a free for all society—it will be chaos and violence everywhere. Thus law may not create a perfect society but it surely makes for a civil society. So, as of today, prohibition may not have transformed our society from the evils of alcoholism, but at least we have taken a step in the right direction. Now the question arises as to whether an act of legislation is enough? No. Mere legislation is not the answer. It can at best be only a stepping stone in the search for a solution to the problem. The failure of our people lies precisely in not understanding this truth. We became content with prohibition law in place. We thought that the final solution had been arrived at. We did not think nor acted beyond prohibition. Prohibition cannot solve the problem. It is meant to be a tool only. But sadly our effort and the missionary zeal displayed in the demand for prohibition ended with the passing of an Act in the legislative Assembly. Where is our will to struggle on? Reform is not a one-time action but a continuous process and each step along the path has to be built upon or else the structure will collapse. After prohibition, we rejoiced, sat and relaxed. Let us wake up from our slumber and do something. The government must perform its responsibility of implementing the law at all (its) level of authority. The civil society, the Church, the NGOs must be vigilant in spotting the problem areas and the problem people and in taking care of them. If we sincerely implement this two pronged approach, we would surely achieve much of what we started for.
Prohibition was demanded because the need was felt. Is the need still there? To protect lives, homes, society? Yes. Anything that is evil that has a destructive influence has to be fought against with all available resources and means at our command. If only our leaders had the vision and the courage to impose prohibition starting from the beginning of the 60s or the 70s, our state and socity would have been stronger, more vibrant, cleaner and productive. Some say that we Naga have been gifted with a natural and inherent appetite for alcohol and that it is wrong to go against. I think such a point of view is nothing less than a poor attempt at rationalizing the evil. However, even if this is true, don’t you think that we need to sublimate, spiritualize and discipline this passion? Such appetite can be redirected toward greater purpose rather than for mere gratification of fleeting desires. I may be wrong but I sense that the church seems to be getting a little bit unnecessarily jitterly about the prohibition issue. The church stood at the forefront in the fight against alcoholism and it must continue to do so. It must not shy away. We are proud of what the church has done for the well-being of the society. We salute and applaud the church. We also honour the Mother’s Association, the students’ federation and our politicians who ultimately passed the bill. What has to be understood here is that alcoholism is not "just" an individual problem but it is also a social problem. This is the reason why "social action" is necessary to fight against alcoholism. And in doing so nobody is trying to police anybody’s conscience. In fact the conscience cannot be policed around even if we desire to do so. But the conscience can be made to grow healthy, beautiful, strong and pure if provided with the opportunity and vice versa. Prohibition as a social action is an effort in the direction, aimed at creating a healthy environment for the development of healthy individual for the greater good. Prohibition hopes to facilitate this attainment by making scarce the opportunity for degeneration. It is therefore important that we do not lose sight of the greater picture in fighting the battle against alcoholism. The battle has a greater and higher purpose not merely the "prohibition" of liquor. The important question is, "is prohibition for good or bad?" I don’t know how people can even feel that prohibition is not for a good cause. Of course there are loopholes in the system and failures in implementing but a beginning nonetheless has been made. The journey has begun and good willing in his grace and in his strength the destination will be reached. May be a day will come in the future when we shall no longer require a paper law to fight for the good cause but as of now, we need the crutch for we have just barely started learning how to stand up.
KNA cries foul Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Sep 3 : The Kuki National Army has accused the State Police Department of violating the cease fire signed between it and the Centre on August 10 this year by shooting dead two cadres of the outfit on September 1 at Litanpokpi. In a statement the outfit said that the gunning down of the two cadres by the Imphal East police commandos violated the ceasefire. Refuting the official report that the encounter ensued after the KNA cadres opened fire at the police, the statement quoting eye witnesses said that the police commandos shot at three cadres of the KNA near a pharmacy at Litanpokpi. Two of the cadres died at the spot while the other managed to escape. Except for the two 9 mm pistols recovered there were no other weapons with the slain cadres, clarified KNA. It is not true that the cadres armed with only two 9 mm pistols opened fire at the police team armed to the teeth, reasoned the outfit and added that the official report reeks of the same blatant fabrication furnished by the police when two cadres of the KNA were shot dead at Iroishemba on August 27.
Despite the cease fire the gunning down of KNA cadres in two separate incidents within the span of a week inevitably induces the notion that the State police is tinged with communal motivations, charged the KNA. The outfit demanded the release of its two arrested cadres and to hand over the police commandos involved in the killings to the KNA and compensation of Rs 5 lakhs each to the family members of the slain cadres.