ENGBU concerned over urban area GB issue

Eastern Nagaland GB’s Union (ENGBU) has expressed deep concern over the state government’s move to temporarily keep in abeyance the appointment of GBs in urban areas following a directive issued by the commissioner of Nagaland dated December 6, 2023.
In a press release, ENGBU president Chuba Konyak and S Khumong Khiamniungan reiterated the continued relevance and constitutional authority of Groan Burah (GB) institution in both rural and urban areas.
ENGBU stated that at an emergency meeting held recently the union thoroughly deliberated on the institution of GB, its nomenclature, function and role.
Highlighting the historical significances of the GB institution, ENGBU said its roots traced back to the British Indian administration and un-administrated areas in the Naga soil.
The union said that GB system was formally introduced in 1886 under the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act, when the Naga hills were still administered under the provinces of Assam since its inception.
During that time, Eastern Nagaland GB’s Union said the institution of GB or village chief headman functioned as a vital role in the respective village.
It said GB acted as a link between the community and the state machinery, playing a key role in maintaining law and order supporting law enforcement agencies and co-ordinating with various government departments.
The union further said that GBs were legal entities functioning of Article 371 (A) of the constitution of India, which protects and empowers Naga customary law and practices.
However, ENGBU said that the government’s move has created a governance vacuum in urban areas.
Therefore, the union has appealed to the state government to revoke the said directive at the earliest.