Every village should be centre of culture and good tradition: CM

Dimapur, Dec. 17: Recalling the good old tradition of yore, Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Saturday said every village should continue to be the centre of culture and good tradition ‘which is progressive and democratic.’

Stating that in olden times, village was refuge to the people, protection for the strangers and support to the neighbours in need, Zeliang said village youth nowadays are not familiar with the customary laws and practices.

Speaking at the platinum jubilee celebration of Kuda village, Zeliang said the tradition of respect for elders and their wisdom must not be ignored in any village, adding the age-old Naga customs of hospitality and goodwill must continue to flourish.
Saying that village council of elders was a circle of democracy and wisdom, Zeliang appealed to preserve those ideals within the village so that every citizen, rich or poor, can avail justice. In this regard, he said anyone looking for justice should write to the right authority and not take law in their hands.

While pointing out that there are two institutions in village as well as in town namely the customary courts and the court of law, Zeliang said it is up to us to settle any problem customarily or constitutionally. He, however, said the law of the land should be respected by one and all either in village or town, rich or poor, Christian or non Christian, adding ‘no one is above the law.’

Also stating that village council plays a much bigger role in the changing scenario, Zeliang urged to strike balance between protecting customs and following modern rules of accountability, democracy as enshrined in the Village Council Act.

He said jubilee is a good time to reflect on our strengths, rebuild society and encourage the people of the village to stand united. Referring to the Old Testament, he said jubilees were celebrated to forgive the wrongs of the past, to restore forfeited lands to the original landowners and to free the slaves.

On the occasion, Zeliang urged the citizens of Kuda village to follow the same principle in order to make the celebration more meaningful and productive.

Deputy Commissioner Dimapur Kesonyu Yhome, who was the guest of honour on the occasion, expressed his concern to strike fine line between maintaining glory of the past and the facing the challenges in this fast changing world. He has also urged to revive the community traditional institutions thereby providing platform for youth to interact for peaceful co-existence.

Among other speakers, Savi Liegise, convenor of Souvenir Committee, spoke on Kuda village’s journey into to 75th year.