Wokha District Village Council Chairman Association (WDVCCA) held its 10th general conference at Tiyi Hall Wokha Town on Friday.
Speaking at the programme as special guest, advisor for Law & Justice & chairman DPDB Wokha, Dr. Chumben Murry asked the village council chairmen to tackle challenges and adopt resolution accordingly in bringing solutions to modern problems. Pointing out that they were leaders at grassroots level, Dr. Chumben called on them, to shoulder their responsibility and to play an active role for the benefit of their people and the society. He also asked the leaders to set an example through cleanliness in their neighbourhoods and proper waste management as proper disposal and hygienic environment attributed to social progress.
On the Naga political issue, Dr. Chumben urged upon all the political organisations to come and work together for “a collective and logical conclusion.”
Speaking on Article 371 (A), the advisor acknowledged chief minister, Neiphiu Rio “for successfully compiling the customary law”, which he said was now yet to be recognised by the government of India. When it is recognised, Dr. Chumben said Nagas will have their “convention authority as statutory board”, as Nagas customary law and Indian judiciary were “in a crisscross situation” as Nagas could not identify their rights in the present situation.
He said that Naga livelihood and their primary source of income is dependent on that cultivation which he called the people to dedicate and do cultivation as not a hobby rather make it as a backbone of Naga economy.In a welcome note, Lotha Hoho chairman, Er. Mhondamo Ovung spoke on the 16-point agreement; point number 8, the Local self-governments with statutory recognition and Nagaland Village and Council Tribal Act protecting the culture practices 1978 Act.
He briefed the congregation on how Nagaland statehood was achieved through the 16-point agreement and reminded the leaders to execute the functioning of local self-government through the recognition, accordingly.
Meanwhile, deputy commissioner (DC) Wokha, Ajit Kumar Ranjan also advised the village council chairmen and GBs to authenticate and execute their responsibility with caution. At the programme, invocation was offered by father Ntonse John Lotha priest in-charge St. Peter Church Longsa, presidential note was delivered by K. Vandan E/rui and vote of thanks was proposed by WDVCCA general secretary, Benathung Odyuo.
