DIMAPUR, MARCH 29 (MExN): Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta has been impressed upon to “heed the voice of wisdom and maintain the unique history of the Nagas.” A petition signed by TL Angami, Advisor, GB/ Village Chief Federation asks Datta to intervene in thwarting the separation of the judiciary from the executive. “The proponent of the separation of justice cannot claim the mandate of the Naga people as no such mandate has been given to any body by the Village Authority at any point of time in Nagaland.”
Defending customary law, TL Angami said traditional courts bring peace, unity and reconciliation between warring groups “without spending a single penny.”
“This unique feature of our society was readily recognized by the conquering British colonialist who adopted a policy of non-interference and excluded area, etc. not with a view to relegate us into a museum piece but to enable us to evolve our system according to our custom and usages,” the petition of which a copy each has been sent to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister said. It said the uniqueness of Naga customary law and usages are faithfully incorporated under Article 371-A of the constitution “to develop according to our own wisdom, traditional laws and customary usages.” Further, Datta was told that separation of the judiciary or imposition of Centre Acts such as the Forest Act, Land Act and Taxation Act upon the Nagas without the expressed will of the Naga Village Authorities will amount to serious breach of faith between the people and its representatives.
“Furthermore, it should be made clear tat pending finalization of the Naga problem, no one should attempt to alter or damage the uniqueness of the Nagas by Acts or Statements which are inimical to the traditional practices and customary usages of the Nagas without the express approval of the Naga people.”
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