Dimapur, Jan. 10 (EMN): Asserting that Gao Buras (GBs) are the guardian and custodian of the customary law and order of the people, minister of Health and Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom, has called upon the GBs of Longleng district to maintain dignity and discharge their responsibility wisely with utmost sincerity.
Pangnyu stated this during the inauguration of the Customary Court of the Longleng GBs’ Association in Longleng town on January 9.
“Random appointments of GBs without following government policies and traditions, negative attitude, behaviour and involvement of GBs in politics have lost their dignity and trust of the people in the recent past,” Pangnyu said.
In order to make it a reality and to mark the inauguration of the Customary Court, Pangnyu appealed to the association to reform and rededicate in their noble service and restore the past glory, respect and dignity of the GBs by adopting a wise decision to deliver justice to the people. He informed that although GBs are not government servants, yet they are very much part and partial agents of the government because they were are authorized and appointed by the government to maintain law and order under their respective jurisdiction/village.
He further maintained that the united voice of the Nagaland GBs’ Association has been nationalised and respected by the government of India.
He also lauded the efforts made by the association and extended gratitude to the district administration and former deputy commissioner, M Shayung Phom, for allocation of a site in the heart of the town for the construction of customary court.
The deputy commissioner of Longleng, Dharam Raj, in his short speech, felt that the GBs’ customary court should have been bigger to preserve the customary documents and books. He lauded the GBs for coming up with the beautiful building without financial support from the government.
Speaking on the grievances of the GBs, the DC assured that the administration would extend cooperation and support towards the association to redress their issues. The DC also felt that more role and responsibility should be entrusted to the GBs along with financial assistance by the government.
“It’s the right time to focus towards preservation of the institutions by the government,” he added.
The president Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC), Shami Angh, also spoke at the inaugural programme.
The dedicatory prayer was pronounced by Tialemba, executive secretary of Phom Baptist Church Association (PBCA), while the welcome address was delivered by T. Yingie Phom, LDGBA. The programme concluded with a mass prayer.
