Chizokho Vero
Kohima | November 12
Recognizing the Dobashi institution for rendering invaluable contributions and its tremendous role in assisting the administration and in dispensing legal cases as per customary law, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today asserted that the state government has set up a Review Committee for their protection and benefit.
Terming Dobashis as custodian of Naga customary laws, Rio called upon them to continue to guide the administrators on Naga tradition and customary laws and at the same time asked them to document the Naga tradition and customary laws.
Addressing the 50th anniversary celebration of Nagaland Dobashi Association (NDBA) here today, Rio said that Dobashis have an immense responsibility in upholding and protecting the unique identity of the Naga culture and traditions and urged the Association to play their role to protect and preserve this uniqueness of the Nagas.
Stating that there were nine (9) interpreters (Dobashis) out of the 20 members who signed the Memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929, Rio said that during those days Dobashis were like MLAs who represented the public and played a big role.
He said this speaks volume about the enormous power and respect they welded in the olden days and who were then chosen purely on their own merit for their masterly knowledge of local customary laws and traditions and for their honesty and devotion to duty.
Rio maintained that the Dobashis, which was incepted during the British era played a vital role in helping the British government as interpreters to understand the tradition and custom of the Nagas and in facilitating the civil administration.
Further, Rio advised them to introspect on how far the Association has progressed or how much it has lacked in the last 50 years and also called upon them to come up with a comprehensive strategy and plans on how to improve and become an asset to the government and to the Naga society.
Stating that Dobashis are the head of customary laws, Kejong Chang, Advisor VGs, DBs and GBs affairs asserted that the government is also helping the DBs a lot. In this, he called upon the DBs to come forward and show a good work to the Naga society.
He said that the strength of Dobashis during its formation in 1962 at 67 has gone upto 1044 today.
NDBA President T. Siyang Chang challenged the Dobashis to re-dedicate their service and preserve the unique institution of Dobashis and cultivate the trust and confidence from the Nagas for brighter future.
In a souvenir brought on the occasion, Nagaland’s Governor Nikhil Kumar penned that Dobashis has done commendable work and earned the trust of the people with its sincerity and sagacity.
“Its red waist coat has come to be seen as the symbol of authority. I am happy to say that the Dobashi has become, in the process, an integral part of our district administration,” Kumar penned and hoped that it will continue to contribute meaningfully to the running of the district administration especially in the maintenance of law and order.
“The Naga people have witnessed the good services rendered by the Dobashi in the state during 50 years and more. They have withstood all the odds in defence of the Naga customary laws and its practices making it as the most unique in India and beyond,” penned home minister Imkong L. Imchen.
Chief Secretary Lalthara also penned that “Dobashis have been successfully functioning as the ears and eyes of the Government, as the forum for settlement of disputes as per the Naga customs and practices, and also as the ambassador of the district administration in times of crisis.”
Earlier, the celebration witnessed short speeches from Salem Konyak, President NGBF, Keneingunyu Sekhose, President APO, M. Toshi Ao, Retd PA to DC while Banuo Z. Jamir, Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner Nagaland exhorted the gathering.
NDBA general secretary Lungrahei Zeliang chaired the function while vote of thanks was proposed by Keneizezo Yiese. The celebration was also marked by cultural exhibition from different Naga tribal DBs and 50th year celebration feast.
