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Dimapur, Aug. 26 (EMN): The Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) has expressed objection to any proposal to change its nomenclature and roles, either in urban or rural areas.
The apex body of the GBs stated in a representation to the chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, that the matter pertaining to the appointment of GBs in urban areas that was discussed at the recent consultative meeting with the tribal hohos had ‘disturbed the understanding of GB across the state’.
It came more than a week after the chief minister stated at the consultative meeting that the role of GBs in urban areas can’t be the same as in rural areas where the population is homogeneous and where the GBs are part of the village council.
“As the custodians of the Naga customary law, traditions and practices, we are of the opinion that the identity of the Nagas is well established under the customary system whether we are settled in rural or urban,” read the representation, adding that ‘the present system of GB was established in 1885 as per the recommendations of WE Ward whereby, the village elders – the Gaon Buras -- were given power and authority to administer the villages along with judicial powers’.
The federation stated that “Naga territories comprise a clan cohesive village system and are characteristically urban in nature” and village system is retained in all new settlements.
“Once the age-old system is changed, we believe there could be far more consequences than we have anticipated,” it stated.
It objected any proposal to change the nomenclature of GBs and its roles, saying that it would marginalise and uproot the institution in future.
“Therefore Sir, till we await the final structure of the agreement of the Naga political movement, let all subjects pertaining to the Naga customary laws, jurisprudence, practices, procedures, be kept on hold. And for which act of your wisdom on this important issue shall be highly appreciated,” it stated.
Meanwhile, the NGBF congratulated the chief minister and his colleagues for the opposition-less government and thanked him for the “benevolent act” rendered to the people of Nagaland.
“The par excellence gesture you (CM) have rendered to the people of Nagaland will be enshrined in the hearts and minds of every Nagas for the generation to come,” it stated.