An Appeal to the Government With Regard to Article 371 (A)

We all have very recently dealt with the problems which occurred at the present ULB Election regarding the 33% reservation quota and the article 371 (A).

1. It is well known that Nagaland State is recognized with 16 major tribes and the customary law of all tribes is also different. The various political groups in Nagaland recognizes more than 40 sub-tribes along with their custom and usages.

2. Many people are not fully aware that this article 371 (A) was formulated to preserve the customary law and tradition of the Nagas. The Naga customary laws and usages are quite different from those of the mainland and such in order to preserve it Nagas should grasp the contents of 371 (A) Article.

3. As we all have faced the consequences in the last ULB Election which led to death of 3 Lives of the Nagas and the general refusal for such U.L.B, election, and if we don’t preserve the traditions and values of our land. Then in future also we are going to face such problems and many more will be killed.

4. In every aspect of life, Nagas tradition, customs and usages are very different from those of the mainland.

5. We all know that many highly educated and the present generation are not aware of the contents of Article 371 (A) article which was signed between the Nagas and the Indian Government in Shillong Accord.

6. The G.B’s are an important component of the modern governance system in Nagaland and if the Nagas do not preserve and follow the 371 (A) article then the customary laws and traditions will vanish in the days to come. Often, without knowing the actual view or the 371(A) the general public objects to the value and importance of the G.B’s in Nagaland.

In this present context I would like to appeal the Government of Nagaland to give more importance to the contents of Article 371 (A) by way of publishing it in the official Gazette and also in the subject of schools class 8 and above compulsory so as to enable the present generation to be aware of the true contents of 371 (A) of the constitution and to preserve the Naga customary law.

Kuknalim

H.Y. Swu
G.B
Supply Colony