Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 24
The 16th annual session of the Dimapur District GBs Association (DDGBA), hosted by Chümoukedima Administrative GBs Union, was held here at Diphupar ‘B’ Local Ground on Saturday with Commissioner & Secretary, PHE, Moangwati Aier, as special guest of the inaugural session.
The special guest in his address said as per Article 371 (A) of the Constitution, the GBs are assigned with special responsibilities and powers being the “custodian of customary court and laws.”
Aier said even the high court and Supreme Court respect the customary courts presided over by the GBs and cited an instance where a case originating from the customary court went through the high court and then the Supreme Court, but ultimately the apex court referred the case back to the customary court for the final verdict.
Stressing on the need to strengthen the customary courts and laws, Aier said the modern legal system is complex and a lot of time and resources is wasted if one approaches the high court or Supreme Court for redressal or justice. He said if the customary courts can deliver justice in true sense and without fear or favour, then it would a boon to the public.
The Commissioner & Secretary also said in earlier times, the ‘Morung’ was the only institution of learning for the Nagas and the morung was the place where elders and GBs imparted valuable teachings and trainings to the youth on all aspects of life including warfare, custom and tradition and social etiquettes.
Aier said the GBs should take the initiative to revive the morung-type of learning and teaching and encourage the younger generation to imbibe the positive traits of Naga custom and traditions.
He also said with the ‘Look East Policy’ and ‘Act East Policy’ in place, Nagaland would stand a lot to benefit. In such a scenario, the GBs should and also encourage villagers and public alike to adopt digital banking and digital marketing.
He also said GBs have an added responsibility to oversee that funds meant for development of villages are judiciously utilized and not misappropriated.
Further, Aier called upon the GBs to take into consideration on the issue of women reservation and the need to listen to the voice and opinions of women, as they being equal partners in progress of any society.
President, Nagaland GB Federation, Shalem Konyak, urged the GBs to be true custodian of customary usages and tradition and said GBs should not be partisan while discharging their duties. He said GBs should question if they find any discrepancy or mismanagement of fund meant for development of the village. Shalem also appealed the GBs to attend the Naga Club event scheduled on November 29.
Cultural troupes from the Chümoukedima Administrative GBs Union, Medziphema Administrative GBs Union and Dhansiripar Administrative GBs Union presented traditional songs and dances. Earlier, DDGBA president, Onen Imsong, delivered the welcome address.
