To ban or not to ban

Khonumthung News Group: 28July 2006:

Along the winding roads of Aizawl, it is a common feature for drivers and travelers to stop and ask - “you have it,” to owners of certain houses on the highway.

Total (liquor) prohibition has been imposed in Mizoram, India. However, the locally brewed liquor called ‘Rak Zu’ is furtively supplied at a premium of Rupees 100.00 (US $ 2.22) and Rupees 150.00 (US $ 3.33), for better quality bottle of 750 milliliters. A bottle of whisky (750 ml), costs around Rupees 500.00 – 600.00 (UD $ 11.11 – 13.33).

“It is not easy to work in other places. I have no relatives nor do I have the capital to start a business. Though it is unsafe, it is easier to earn more money in a shorter time.” says Rak Zu brewer while observing the mood of his landlord.

Some people in Mizoram and illegal immigrants from Burma are also engaged in brewing local liquor. 

The percentage of deaths due to liquor consumption amongst the youth is quite high in society. This is the reason total prohibition has been imposed, explain local authorities. Prohibition of liquor is being strictly imposed since 2005.

The Mizoram government passed the ‘Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act (MLTP)’ and strict prohibition on drinking, brewing and selling has been imposed through out the state. Three months to five years imprisonment and a fine of Rupees 500.00 to 1000.00

(US $ 11.11 to 22.22) can be awarded to the culprit caught flouting prohibition. However, there are certain people who are issued permission by doctors to consume alcohol for their health.

“Alcohol consumption has not come down even though there is total prohibition. The cost of liquor increases when the authorities seize liquor,” said a consumer who prefers to remain anonymous.

Certain regular consumers said, “Liquor was cheaper prior to the prohibition and better quality of alcohol was available. Since the prohibition, buying alcohol has become more difficult. Worse people have shifted to using illicit drugs.”

The police department and the Young Mizo Association (YMA) are active in implementing the MLTP. Directives to abstain from alcohol have also been issued to the people of Mizoram, who are mostly Christians by faith.

“There was a lot of alcohol consumption in the past. Youths smelling of alcohol participated in Christian ceremonies and often created a nuisance. After the prohibition there are fewer unseemly incidents.

However, it is difficult to judge what effect prohibition is having as there are people who abstain from alcohol as well as people who continue to drink regularly despite the prohibition,” says a Seven Day Church Pastor Rev. H. Lalzara.

Alcohol consumers, brewers and peddlers are regularly arrested every month in Mizoram. Reports of family problems due to alcoholism are often broadcast and read in local television and newspapers.

Alcoholics are prone to jaundice, weight loss and austerities. They are short tempered due to the abnormal blood circulation, reports a Health Education journal.

Alcoholics, who cannot give up the habit upset the family’s financial stability and are often a nuisance to the people around them and the society.

Two contrary opinions have cropped up in Mizoram society. Prohibition of alcohol has increased the availability of low quality supply causing more deaths. Meanwhile, there are hard core supporters of total prohibition. The debate goes on and only time will resolve it.