Dimapur, August 26 (MExN): The Nagaland Gaonburah Federation (NGBF) on Thursday expressed its disapproval of the proposed move to change the nomenclature of the GBs in Nagaland.
Referring to the recent consultative meeting held by the state government with tribal hohos on August 18 pertaining to the urban GB appointments, “the matter has disturbed the understanding of Gaonburah all over the state,” the Federation stated in its letter to the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
It pointed out that the present system of Gaon Burah was established in 1885 as per the recommendations of WE Ward whereby, the village’s elders – the Gaon Burahs were given power and authority to administer the villages along with judicial powers.
“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,” it asserted.
Naga territories comprise a clan cohesive village system and are characteristically urban in nature. Everywhere in a new settlement, the village system is retained, it added. The Federation expressed apprehension that there could be far more consequences than anticipated once the age-old system is changed.
“The institution of Gaon Burahs will be marginalized and will be uprooted in future,” it said, and added that the Federation strongly objects to any proposal to change the nomenclature of Gaonburahs and its role, either in urban or rural areas.
Congratulating the CM and his colleagues for the opposition-less government in the State, the NGBF further appealed the CM to let all subjects pertaining to the Naga customary laws, jurisprudence, practices, procedures, be kept on hold while the final structure of the agreement of the Naga Political movement is awaited.
