GBs asked to reform their roles

The new office building of Chuümoukedima District GB’s Association (CDGBA) was inaugurated by general secretary, Janata Dal (United) Nagaland Unit, Kitoho S Rotokha at DC Complex Chümoukedima on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering, Rotokha maintained that it was time for the GBs to reform their roles as they were chosen “not to serve as a servant to the government”.
Pointing out that the word “Gaon” was an Assamees (Akhomiya) word, he said Nagas need to follow its own traditions and customs, and change the word into something else.
He said that Nagas can come up with a word to portray the word “Village”, and not use the word “Gaon” to represent the village chiefs.
He said that the red waistcoat worn by the GB’s were given by the Britishers during their reign in India, to identify them as helpers to carry off and rescue dead bodies and injured soldiers during the battle.
Since GBs are the pride of Nagas, and their attire only resembled as the servants and slaves of Britishers, Rotokha suggested that the powers and functions of GBs needed to be reformed.
He therefore vowed to would fight for the integrity of Nagas and challenged the GBs to be reformed and not to remain as slaves of the government.
“GBs are the custodian to the Naga customary law”, he stated, and urged the gathering to not forget the identity and root of a GB. Speaking on election, he stated that Nagas should be aware of the visions and agendas of an intending candidate, and not only focus on money.
Claiming that elections were the root of all corruption, he maintained that politicians were compelled to spend money due to public pressure.
If solution was not achieved before election and election is announced, he confirmed that he would contest the election from JDU, and further urged all Nagas to opt for clean election. In regards to civil societies and organization’s opposing to hold election, he challenged all to work in true spirits and not only talk on it. “If CSO’s are true to their statement, they should not even allow candidates to file their nomination”, he stated, if not, adding that all should morally resign from the organization and also deform the organization.
Meanwhile, general secretary, Nagaland GB Federation, Shikato Zalipu, in his brief message expressed the hope that the association would cater to unity and prosperity of entire Nagas.
He also noted that GBs are the roots of the village people and acted as the mediator, eyes, ears and mouth for the state government, in the interest of all public.
He later read out aims and vision of NGBF.
Also delivering a short speech, ADC Chümoukedima, Dr. Kuzonyi Wideo, stated that it was the duty of GBs to monitor every sector and also informed that it was prerogative of GBs to take part in clean election for the welfare of the people. He appealed all GBs to check on use of money by candidates during election process.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Medoi Kozo, invocation by Asso pastor, CABC, Aomar, and presidential address delivered by president, CDGBA, Rokovitso Kuotsu.
Short speeches were also delivered by members representation Chümoukedima town, Medziphema GB units, Chakhroma GB Association, Dhansiripar GB Unit and Seithekema GB Unit.
It can be noted that the renovation of the newly inaugurated office building of CDGBA was sponsored by JDU Nagaland Unit general secretary, JDU, Kitoho S Rotokha.