GBs Union Dimapur (DGBU) sadar/urban area has expressed anguish over the Joint Committee on Prevention of Illegal Immigrants (JCPI)’s remark in the inputs it had submitted to the Commission on RIIN, wherein JCPI asserted that “under no circumstances should the GBs of Dimapur Sadar/urban area be empanelled by the district administration for assistance in the RIIN exercise.”
In a press release, GBUD president MY Ngullie and general secretary T Onen Jamir described JCPI statement as “unfortunate and regrettable” and accused JCPI of undermining the significance and role of the GBs in the administration of justice particularly in Nagaland.
GBUD said that such “irresponsible statement is certainly very provocative” and would create misunderstanding and confusion in the minds of general public.
On the claim that GBs “flagrantly” issue important documents to doubtful citizens, the GBUD clarified that GB/chairman of colony/area were not given any authority to issue documents such as birth certificate, trade licenses, indigenous certificate, driving license etc except to make recommendation and issuing residential certificate depending on the permanent/temporary status of the residents.
Pointing out that the government had not issued any notification/order that barred GBs/chairmen from issuing residential certificate recommendations etc., the union has, therefore, stated that residential certificate and recommendations were being made either by GB or chairman in urban areas irrespective of the community, tribe and particular section of the society the applicant belonged to.
Affirming support towards the JCPI initiatives, the union has, however, said JCPI’s demand to the commission on RIIN not to empanel GBs in the RIIN exercise was “a deliberate attempt to undermine the sanctity and authority of the GBs in the process of exercising their bona fide administrative responsibilities.”
Therefore, GBUD has earnestly urged the JCPI to withdraw the demand “terms of reference” submitted to the Commission on RIIN so jointly they would move forward and work together towards creating social harmony in the spirit of oneness and inclusiveness at this crucial juncture.
The union cautioned that it would be constrained to take up “appropriate necessary steps” if JCPI failed to withdraw the “terms of reference” submitted to the commission of RIIN.