Asks govt to keep on hold matters on Naga customary laws, practices etc. till final Naga political settlement
Nagaland Gaon Burah Federation (NGBF) has strongly objected to any proposal to change the nomenclature of gaon burahand its role in urban or rural areas and also called for keeping all matters pertaining to Naga customary laws, jurisprudence, practices and procedures in abeyance till final structure of the agreement of the Naga political movement was reached.
In a representation to chief minister Neiphiu Rio, NGBF president Sahlem Konyak, general secretary Shikuto Zalipu and media secretary Akhu Naga pointed out that the consultative meeting with tribal hohos on August 18 pertaining to appointments of urban GBs had disturbed all gaon burahs across the State.
As custodians of Naga customary laws, traditions and practices, they maintained that the identity of Nagas was well established under the customary system whether they were settled in rural or urban areas.
They recalled that the present system of gaon burahs was established in 1885 as per the recommendations of WE Ward wherebyvillage elders (gaon burahs) were given power and authority to administer villages along with judicial powers. Pointing out that Naga territories comprised a “clan cohesive village system”that were characteristically urban in nature, the NGBF leaders maintained that everywhere in a new settlement the village system was retained.
Once the age-old system was changed, they said they believedthat there could be far more consequences than had been anticipated and feared that the institution of gaon burahs would be marginalised and uprooted in future.
Thus, they strongly objected to any proposal to change the nomenclature of gaon burahand its role in urban or rural areas.