A seminar on Article 371 (A) & first general meeting of government recognized NGOs in Nagaland was conducted on May 25 at NEISSER conference hall organized by Peace Channel, NEISSR, NACWR and NGO forum.
A press release from Peace Channel desk, stated that when speaking on the occasion as the resource person, District and Session Judge (retd), Dr. Luhevi Achumi, who is also the head GB of Luhevi village, spoke on Article 371 (A) stating that four special provisions were given to the Nagas under Article 371(A) viz. Religious or social practices of the Nagas, Nagas customary law and procedure, administration of civil and communal justice involving decisions according to Naga Customary Law, ownership and transfer of land and its resources, shall apply to the state of Nagaland by a resolution to be decided by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. However, he added that special power was given to the governor with respect to law and order and the provision under Article 245(2) has the power to overrule the special provision under Article 371(A).
Editor, Nagaland Page, Monalisa Changija, said Article 371(A) was completely silent on the economic front. There is no provision under Article 371 (A) on how the state can formulate the economy of the state, she added. She explained that Article 371(A) does not have anything on electoral laws stating that it is mentioned nowhere that the village authority or GBs can select a candidate for election to the state assembly, which Nagas are practicing contrary to the people’s representative Act.
President GB’s federation, Shaleem Konyak spoke about the journey of the Naga struggle and how Article 371 (A) came into being. He also added that the Nagas bought Article 371 (A) with blood and this article has protected the rights of the Naga and from being exploited. However it has hampered development a lot as Nagas are “sitting on top of the government,” he added.
Former president Naga Council, Savi Liegise, said that Article 371(A) was as good as independence but it has not been implemented with any logic as none have tasted Article 371 (A) in its true perspective.
Advocate, Limanokchet stated that Article 371 (A) is a living word and not just a written document. He also emphasized on women issues, taxation issues, judicial over-reach, marriage act, etc. advisor Naga Women Hoho, Nungshirenla Aier also spoke on the rights of the women stating that women were limited to the kitchen and were looked down upon.
The programme was chaired by director of Indigenous Cultural Society, Dr. Hesheto Chishi, and was moderated by director peace channel and principal NEISSR, Dr. Fr. CP Anto. All together 107 participants attended the programme.