First conference of the Chumukedima Area GB Association held
Morung Express News
Chumukedima | November 1
Nagaland State Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio, today said the institution of the GB (Gaon Bura) as custodian of Naga customary laws and practices has withstood the test of time since the British times in the then Naga Hills.
Rio said as per Naga tradition, which accorded highest respect to elders of the village (Gaon Buras) for their experience, maturity and wisdom, the British sought the service of GBs to assist them in village administration and thus introduced the institution of GB.
He said the British did not interfere in the internal and local affairs of the village but trusted and vested the GBs with powers to deal with local administration including civil and criminal cases. Even to this day, the GBs form the backbone of the administration at the grassroots level and the GB institution is protected by the Indian constitution and also under the 16-Point Agreement, the former chief minister said.
Exercise powers with wisdom
Addressing the first conference of the Chumukedima Area GB Association (CAGBA) here at Diphupar local ground, Rio wondered whether the image of the GBs was waning in the present day compared to the respect they received in the past. He said foremost, the GBs should exercise the powers vested in them with full prudence and wisdom and not abuse the position they command. The MP said in the past during the height of the Naga movement, not many people were willing to shoulder the post of GB as it entailed lots of responsibilities and the GBs faced harassment from many angles. But in the relatively peaceful present-day, there is fight and clamour for the GB seat, Rio said and reminded that the real test of a GB is during trying times when the villagers need their wisdom and guidance most.
Rio also suggested that the post of GB should be filled up through ‘selection’ and not ‘election’ as when election is involved, then the question of ‘which political party candidate?’ creeps in thereby straining the secular credentials of the institution.
Further, the MP stressed on the need to conduct workshops on role and responsibilities of GBs in districts and villages so that the institution of GB continues to remain vital and relevant.
EAC Chumukedima, Thungbemo Patton, in his address said the GBs are a “strong arm” of the administration and therefore they should discharge their role and responsibilities in a fair manner and without any dilution.
The EAC also said GBs being the protectors of Naga custom and traditions, GBs should not blindly append their signatures on documents, including resident verification, as such actions later create problem for the district administration.
Earlier, CAGBA President, Tokishe Achumi, who also chaired the conference, in his welcome address said the Association with 58 villages, including three unrecognized ones, was formed to foster better relationship among various tribes and communities living in Chumukedima area.
General Secretary, CAGBA, Atso Gwizan presented the report of the Association’s activities in the last one year.
