Chairman, Sub-Divisional Planning & Development Board, Pughoboto and chairman, Subordinate Legislative Committee Nagaland, Dr. Sukhato A Sema, MLA, on Thursday released a book “The Gaon Buras of the Villages and Towns in Nagaland”, authored by former commissioner & secretary to government of Nagaland, K Nzimongo Ngullie, at Circuit House, Dimapur.
Addressing a gathering of GBs, Sema expressed his gratefulness to the author for taking interest in conducting research and coming up with the book that dwelled on what the GBs have been doing in the past, and what GBs should do and what government should do to help GB in his book.
In a recent address to a gathering of Gaon Buras (GBs), Dr. Sukhato A Sema, MLA, expressed his profound gratitude towards the author of a newly published book that delves into the historical contributions and contemporary relevance of the Gaon Buras in Nagaland. The book sheds light on the pivotal roles played by GBs in the past, and offers insights into what they should strive for, along with outlining the government’s role in supporting them.
Dr. Sema emphasized that GBs’ institution served as pioneering administrative machinery in the villages of Naga Hills during British India. He noted that before the arrival of British, each Naga village functioned as an independent republic, wielding absolute power within its jurisdiction, however, he pointed out that in the face of British attempts at exploration and expedition, Nagas resisted and engaged in fierce battles.
Subsequently, he asserted that GBs were appointed to oversee villages, acting as government agents, facilitating village administration and adjudicated civil and non-murder criminal cases, sometimes relying on Naga customary laws.
Despite facing challenges during periods of high Naga insurgency, Sema reminded that GBs proved invaluable in safeguarding their communities, adding that when Nagaland received statehood in 1963, Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution granted special powers to practice customary laws, a tradition upheld by GBs to this day.
He further added that the enactment of Nagaland Village and Area Council Act in 1978 elevated GBs to the position of ex-officio members of the village councils, actively participating in village administration and also entrusted with formation of the village council.
Dr. Sema later commended GBs as guardians of Naga customary laws, practices and traditional values and acknowledged their unwavering support to successive governments. “Since the inception of the GBs institution in Naga Hills during the British India Government and till the formation of the state Government of Nagaland, the GBs have been always cooperative, loyal and supportive to the successive Governments in power”, he stated. He later urged upon all GBs to adhere to the legacy of the former GBs and to maintain peace in their respective areas and continue to uphold the integrity, cooperation and support to the present government for successful implementation of various schemes for the benefit of the Nagas.
Dr. Sema also led a pledge to make Naga community, family and friends “Drug Free”.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by general secretary, Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF), Shikuto Zalipu, invocation was offered by vice president, Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, Rev Dr. N Phapino.
A short speech was also delivered by president NGBF, Shahle Konyak, while the author delivered a brief author’s note and vote of thanks was addressed by vice president NGBF, Kashito Yeptho.