Advisor for law & justice and land revenue, TN Mannen, expressed concerns over what he described as “misinterpretation of Article 371 (A)” and cautioned that continued misinterpretation by Nagas could lead to its disappearance within the next 20 to 30 years.
Speaking exclusively to Nagaland Post on the sidelines of Dimapur Aor GB Telongjem (DAGBT) general meeting at Lengrijan Council Hall here on Saturday, advisor expressed regret over the current state of affairs where the essence of Article 371 (A), which was crafted for protection of Naga interests, was either “misused” or “not fully utilized to benefit the Naga people”.
Elaborating on how the Article 371 (A) was being misused largely, Mannen asserted that many Nagas cannot sacrifice personal interest for the cause of common interest.
He said that individual rights under Article 371(A) were not absolute, and should be limited in consideration of common interests.
He also cited instances where Naga people were unwilling to sacrifice personal interests particularly in cases where government infrastructure projects were impeded by individuals not allowing construction of roads or water pipes through their land.
Mannen stressed that personal freedom should be restrained in favour of common interests for the greater good of the Naga community.
Highlighting the adverse impact on developmental activities in Naga society, advisor maintained that the claim of landowner’s rights was the biggest challenge in the state’s developmental activities.
Advisor also went on to question the legitimacy of claims for appointment of landowners when compensation for the land had already been provided. He said that such issues exemplify the misinterpretation of Article 371 (A) potentially leading to clashes between personal and common interests.
Mannen, however, clarified that the solution lay not in abolishing Article 371 (A), but in a careful study and interpretation that aligned with common interests. Advisor, therefore, urged Naga people to understand the nuances of the Article 371 (A) and apply it judiciously for the collective and progressive activities of the community ensuring its preservation for the greater well-being of the Naga society.
Earlier, speaking at the meeting as special guest, Mannen said the creation of Gaon Boras (GBs) institution by colonial British has become the most vital agent as the custodian of Naga customs and traditions.
Mannen deliberated on the imperative role of GBs in Naga society as they constantly engage in the preservation, interpretation and expression of the customary laws and traditions.
Dwelling on the creation of the institution of GBs in Naga society, he said the British administration appointed the GBs based on their knowledge of local customary laws and traditions, their integrity and commitment.
He said Britishers appointed GBs at the village level primarily to translate local dialects and to communicate the orders/ directives of the administration to the people, and also to educate and advise the unversed administrators on local customs and traditions.
Underscoring the importance of GBs possessing knowledge of their customary laws and traditions, Mannen said merely wearing the “red waistcoat” does not qualify a person to become a GB.
He therefore advised GBs to honour their position and not “serve or receive” the VIPs while wearing the “red waistcoat”, which he lamented has become “common practice” in Nagaland. The programme was chaired by DAGBT president, Taku Longkumer and general secretary, Temsupok Jamir. An invocation was said by DABA associate pastor, Rev. Alemwati Lomgkumer, short speeches were also delivered by Lengrijan Village Council, and vice president, Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation, Tongzük Pongen, a cultural song was presented by GBs Akangkokba and Ungermeren, and a vote of thanks was delivered by GB, T Onen Jamir.