EMN
CHIECHAMA, DEC 8
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has advised the villages not to choose their Village Council leaders/VDB members through election but be done through selection so that the community would be in intact and unity will be ensured among the villagers. He also called upon the village authorities not to compromise the legal authority of Naga customary law which was enshrined in the constitution since time immemorial.
“The culture of the Nagas is pure democratic and transparent in character since all the villages has its own laws to look after by the elders in all the village affairs and cases which occurs within the village,” Rio said while addressing a mammoth gathering during the golden jubilee celebration of Chiechama Village Panchayat & Village Council on Saturday at the Village Council Hall.
The Chief Minister also urged the GBs and village authorities not to go to other courts but to settle cases according to the customary laws by consulting the elders.
“By going to other courts, it would be like compromising our customary laws,” he felt.
Rio further underlined the importance of preserving of our culture and identity and to pass on the legacy of the rich cultural practices of our forefathers.
“We need to promote the cultural heritage in order to pass it on to the younger generation. This is important because as it will make the future generation to keep intact with the rich practices of the forefathers,” he said.
Earlier, the chief minister unveiled a monolith commemorating the golden jubilee celebration.
The programme was chaired by organizing committee convenor Thejao Vihienuo; invocation by Rev Levi Rio, pastor CRC Chiechama; welcome song by youth department of Chiecha Basa Baptist Church; a brief history of Chiechama Panchayat and Village Council was given by Mhalezolie Metha, chairman Chiechama Village Council; prayer for completion of 50 years of Village Panchayat and Village Council by Thezienyü Metha, asst pastor of Baptist Church Chiechama; folk song by Soziebazou Kro-u Chiechama. The vote of thanks was delivered by Zakieo Metha, member organizing committee, followed by prayer for community feast by Khriesaneisa Dzeyie, pastor Chiecha Basa Baptist Church.
