Dimapur, April 21 (MExN): The NTPRADAO (PJ) has criticised reported remarks made by MLA and NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon concerning Gaonburahs (GBs) in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 26, terming them as “inappropriate and concerning.”
In a press release issued on April 21, the organisation alleged that the MLA’s comments portrayed GBs in a negative light, describing them as merely government appointees and ineffective.
It contended that such characterisation undermines the traditional and administrative role played by GBs in Naga society.
The NTPRADAO (PJ) stated that the significance of GBs can be traced to their institutionalisation during British colonial rule, when village elders and community leaders were incorporated and streamlined into administrative affairs to bridge traditional tribal governance with modern governmental functioning.
It also referred to the role of GBs in various phases of the Naga political movement, highlighting what it described as their contributions and sacrifices.
Further, the Nagaland Transparency, Public Rights Advocacy and Direct Action Organisation – People’s Justice (NTPRADAO-PJ) urged the MLA to exercise restraint in public statements. It also appealed to the Global Naga Forum to refrain from what it termed as unnecessary interference in the matter.
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