Kiphire, Longleng, Sumi GBs submit representations
Dimapur, August 30 (MExN): The Government of Nagaland’s proposal to change the roles and nomenclature of Gaonburas (GBs) in urban areas of Nagaland has drawn flak from various organisations ever since it was pitched on August 18.
Underscoring the role of GBs as ‘custodians of Naga customary laws, traditions and practices,’ several GB organisations objected the proposal maintaining that the identity of Nagas was well established under the customary system whether they were settled in rural or urban areas. The organisations also called for keeping all matters pertaining to Naga customary laws, jurisprudence, practices and procedures in abeyance till the Naga peace talks arrive at a final settlement.
Similarly, on Monday, the Kiphire District Gaonbura's Association submitted a representation to the Nagaland Governor drawing attention to the lived reality in Kiphire district which is home to three recognized tribes of Nagaland—Sangtam, Sumi and Yimchunger (Yimkhiung).
Each of these tribes have at least one GB in towns under Kiphire district who act as the channel of peace amongst the tribes and citizens of the district and disputes and differences pertaining to the customs and traditions of the communities under the district are settled by the GBs, it underscored. It also said that the GBs in towns are appointment by the government to handle any law and order situation pertaining to customs and traditional practices, thereby enabling the smooth administration in the district.
Stating that the Naga peace talks are in progress and “we all are anticipating honourable and acceptable final settlement,” the association further urged the Government to keep the proposal in abeyance till the talks arrive at a final settlement.
In another representation to the Governor, the Sumi Kukami (GB) Hoho stated that in Sumi jurisdictions, the Kukami or Akukau was referred to as GBs for convenience during the British rule and the nomenclature is in use among all the Naga tribes. It said that the in both urban and rural Sumi areas, the post of Akukau is hereditary in nature and non-Sumis are not allowed to hold the post.
Rather than changing the role and nomenclature of GBs in urban areas, the Sumi Kukami Hoho suggested that the Government of Nagaland “give some powers and functions criteria to urban GBs for smooth functioning under District Administration,” as the tenure of town GBs is limited.
Meanwhile, the Longleng District GB Association also submitted a representation to the Chief Minister of Nagaland emphasizing that “the existence, role, powers and function of the GB in the Naga soil is time immemorial and well established.”
Referring to GBs as ‘Custodians of the Naga Customary practice,’ the association expressed deep concern that the State Government’s proposal would dilute the existence of the GBs across the state and eventually degrade the struggle for survival, status and practice of the Naga customary system. As such, the association appealed the Chief Minister to recall the said proposal and keep the role and nomenclature of GBs under one umbrella without distinguishing between urban and rural areas in the interest of the profound customary system and practice of the Nagas.
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