NDBA delegation with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in Kohima on October 27.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 27
The Nagaland Dobashi Association (NDBA) today made an ardent appeal to the state government for constitution of customary courts in Nagaland.
Towards this end, the NDBA today submitted a representation to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in Kohima.
After the meeting, the Chief Minister responded to the NDBA delegation that he will safeguard and protect the unique history and identity of the Nagas, said NDBA General Secretary R Kemerio Yanthan while addressing a press conference here at Hotel Crescent.
There about 600 regular Dobashis in Nagaland at present.
Through a representation addressed to the Chief Minister, the Association stated that Dobashis' institution is the oldest and one of the few institutions associated with the customs and traditions of the Nagas.
“It is noteworthy to mention that Nagaland state is governed by ‘the Rules for Administration of Justice and Police in Nagaland 1937’, and by the third amendment act 1984- Chapter IVA, which got the assent of the President of India on 4th March 1987; Nagaland should have Village Courts, subordinate Customary Courts and District Customary Courts.
But so far, the Village Courts had been only constituted through the Nagaland Village Council Acts 1978,” stated a representation appended by NDBA President Noklentuba Ao and General Secretary R Kemerio Yanthan.
The Association stated that all districts of Nagaland have Customary Courts and District Customary Courts managed by Dobashis although not formally constituted by the government.
“It is pertinent to mention that the Special Status accorded to the state may land into conflict and the essence of customs and traditions will vanish if appropriate steps are not taken up to our recognize/constitute the Customary Courts in Nagaland,” it added.
The Association requested the Chief Minister to take up the matter and “lift the standards and identity of the Nagas to greater heights.”
