Nagaland Gaon Buras Federation warns against attempts to weaken hereditary GBs and village chiefs.
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DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Gaon Buras Federation (NGBF) on Tuesday issued a warning against what it described as attempts to “undermine or circumvent” the authority of hereditary village chiefs, gaon buras (GBs), and Anghs through the alleged misinterpretation of the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act.
In a statement, the federation said it had received information from “reliable sources” indicating that certain individuals or groups were allegedly misinterpreting Section 4 of the Act to weaken the role of hereditary village institutions within village councils.
Quoting the provision, the federation stated: “A Village Council shall consist of members chosen by villagers in accordance with the prevailing customary practices and usages, the same being approved by the State Government, provided that hereditary village Chiefs, GBs and Anghs shall be ex-officio members of such Council and shall have voting rights.”
The NGBF maintained that hereditary village chiefs, GBs and Anghs continue to hold constitutionally and legally recognised positions within the customary governance framework of the state.
It stated that any deliberate misinterpretation of the Act was “legally untenable” and amounted to a direct challenge to institutions that remain integral to Naga customary governance and traditions.
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“Such actions are viewed as detrimental to Naga customs, institutions, and societal harmony,” the federation stated.
The federation further cautioned against any “ill-informed interpretation, misrepresentation, or malicious attempt” to weaken hereditary village institutions in Nagaland, adding that any such act would invite “serious scrutiny” from the federation.
The NGBF said it would take appropriate steps to safeguard “the dignity, authority, and constitutional recognition” of hereditary village chiefs, GBs and Anghs.
Meanwhile, the federation also expressed concern over the controversy involving the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), and GBs Union (Sadar), which has drawn public attention in recent days.
While refraining from commenting on the jurisdiction of the organisations involved, the federation appealed to all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and mutual understanding.
The federation also asserted that no civil society organisation possesses the legal authority to exercise powers relating to law and order outside established legal provisions.
It stated that grievances or allegations of wrongdoing should be referred to the competent authority and dealt with through due process and district administration.
“The NGBF respectfully appeals to all organisations not to take the law into their own hands or assume authority beyond their legitimate mandate,” the statement read.
The federation further urged the deputy commissioner of Dimapur to intervene proactively and facilitate a peaceful resolution before the matter escalates further.