The end of prohibition in Manipur : A step towards realistic policies

Dr Yumnam Oken Singh *

Nothing is more destructive of respect for the Government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced - Albert Einstein

Prohibition, a decades-long policy in the State of Manipur, has recently come to an end. This decision by the Manipur Government marks a significant shift in approach towards alcohol regulation. Advocates of this move argue that prohibition has proven to be ineffective, and lifting it is a step towards acknowledging the realities on the ground. Now there are questions galore.

Why do people drink?

People drink for a variety of reasons, and the motivations behind alcohol consumption can be complex and multifaceted. Different individuals may have different reasons for drinking. One of the reasons is social interaction. Drinking is often associated with socializing and celebrations. Many people consume alcohol in social settings such as parties, gatherings, and events as a way to connect with others and enhance the social experience.

Some individuals turn to alcohol as a means of relaxation and stress relief. The calming effects of alcohol can provide a temporary escape from daily pressures and anxieties. Cultural and social norms play a significant role in shaping drinking behaviours. In many cultures, the consumption of alcohol is a part of traditional rituals, ceremonies, and social customs.

This is prevalent in the tribal culture in the hills and the valley. It is also a common tradition in the valley at Andro, Sekmai, Phayeng, etc. It must be noted that prohibition has not affected them as they were exempted by law.

Alcohol can have mood-altering effects, and some individuals may use it to enhance positive emotions or alleviate negative ones. People may drink to experience feelings of euphoria, happiness, or confidence.

Some individuals turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with emotional pain, trauma, or psychological distress. Using alcohol as a way to self-medicate can be a maladaptive coping strategy. When an examination result is declared, it is common for many successful candidates (particularly males) to drink in celebration. The same is true with those who failed—they drown their grief in alcohol.

Another reason for drinking is peer pressure. Peer influence can be a significant factor in alcohol consumption, especially among younger individuals. The desire to fit in or be accepted in a social group may lead some people to drink even if they might not have a personal inclination to do so. Some others are initiated to drink just out of curiosity and exploration.

Experimentation and curiosity about the effects of alcohol are common reasons, especially among individuals who are in their formative years. Trying alcohol may be seen as a rite of passage or a way to explore new experiences. Some individuals drink only to enjoy. Appreciating the flavours and sensory experiences associated with different types of drinks can be a motivating factor.

Advertising and media portrayals of alcohol can influence perceptions and contribute to the normalization of drinking. Marketing campaigns often associate alcohol with desirable lifestyles and social success. It’s important to note that while moderate alcohol consumption may be part of social and cultural practices, excessive or problematic drinking can have negative consequences for individual health and well-being.

Understanding the diverse motivations behind alcohol consumption is crucial for developing effective strategies for harm reduction, education, and support for those who may be facing challenges related to their drinking habits.

Does prohibition work?

While there have been instances of alcohol prohibition in various regions throughout history, it’s challenging to be “successful” in achieving its intended goals. The prohibition of alcohol has often faced significant challenges and unintended consequences, leading to its eventual repeal or modification.

One of the most notable examples of alcohol prohibition occurred in the United States during the period from 1920 to 1933. The 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, along with the Volstead Act, prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors. However, the era of Prohibition in the United States is generally considered unsuccessful due to widespread non-compliance, the rise of organized crime, and the creation of a black market for alcohol.

Countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have stringent alcohol restrictions due to religious and cultural considerations. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of such policies can be influenced by various factors, including cultural attitudes toward alcohol, enforcement capabilities, and societal norms.

Why did prohibition fail in Manipur ?

Prohibition measures are often met with challenges related to illegal trade, smuggling, and the creation of unregulated markets. Additionally, there may be unintended social consequences, such as the development of homemade alcoholic beverages and the displacement of legal economic activities. In the context of Indian States, some States have implemented partial or complete prohibition. However, the success of these measures can be subjective, and the enforcement and impact on public health and safety are areas of ongoing debate.

One of the glaring issues with prohibition in Manipur was its selective implementation. While certain tribal communities and military installations were exempt from these restrictions, others faced the brunt of an impractical policy. The dichotomy created an imbalance, rendering the prohibition largely symbolic and failing to achieve its intended goals uniformly.

Furthermore, the thriving black market for Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) exposed the futility of the prohibition policy. Despite the ban, IMFL and local beverages found their way into localities through illicit channels and military canteens, highlighting the difficulty in enforcing and sustaining such restrictions.

As it happened, enforcing a ban on alcohol proved extremely challenging. Smuggling, illegal production, and distribution thrived in response to prohibition, creating an underground market difficult to control. The underground market not only compromised the effectiveness of the policy but also contributed to an increase in illegal activities. The result is Manipur became a dry State flooded with liquor.

Why Lift Prohibition?

From the onset, prohibition was a political agenda without any ethical, social, or cultural preference. Prohibition led to unsafe consumption practices, as individuals resorted to homemade or unregulated alcoholic beverages and IMFL that is available almost everywhere in the State through illicit means.

Even the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the representative body of leading Indian alcohol beverage companies, has again urged the Bihar Government to lift a “complete ban” on liquor in the State, on the lines of the Manipur Government’s decision. Of course, the request has been turned down.

Another crucial aspect is the idea that drinking is fundamentally a matter of personal choice. Imposing a blanket ban fails to address the root causes of alcohol-related issues and denies individuals the autonomy to make responsible decisions. Prohibition tends to treat citizens as if they lack the capacity to make informed choices about their own well-being.

The ban on liquor did not address the underlying issues related to alcohol abuse. Adults are considered legally responsible for their actions, and proponents of individual freedom in drinking believe that this responsibility extends to decisions about alcohol consumption. Respecting adult decision-making involves acknowledging that individuals are capable of evaluating the risks and benefits of drinking and can make choices that align with their own values.

By lifting prohibition, the Manipur Government seems to be acknowledging the need for a more pragmatic and nuanced approach to alcohol regulation. Rather than relying on blanket bans, a comprehensive strategy that includes education, awareness programs, and targeted interventions could be more effective in addressing the challenges associated with alcohol consumption.

Alternative approaches, such as responsible drinking campaigns, education, and harm reduction strategies might be the right path. These methods aim to address the negative consequences of alcohol consumption without resorting to an outright ban.

The decision to end prohibition in Manipur reflects a growing recognition of the ineffectiveness of prohibition. The selective implementation due to cultural and social norms, thriving black market, and the importance of individual choice all point towards the limitations of a prohibitionist approach.

Moving forward, a more balanced and comprehensive strategy that considers the diverse social and cultural landscape of Manipur may prove to be a more effective means of addressing alcohol-related issues. It will lead to a more balanced society where people make their own decisions to drink or not. And it will definitely enrich the State revenue instead of enriching the unregulated market.