Book on Ao customary laws, practices released

Mokokchung, August 23: A book about the customary laws and practices of the Ao community has been released. The book “Aor Temzung Ozüng” was published by the Mokokchung District Dobashi and released by former president of the Ao Senden Prof. Sangyu Yaden at the District Dobashi Customary Law Court in Mokokchung on Tuesday.
Prof. Sangyu Yaden congratulated the Mokokchung Dobashi for the publication and called it a ‘magnificent spectacular achievement by the Dobashis and the Aos as a whole.’ After the British took control of the Naga areas, he said, they ‘observed that the Naga customary laws were good practices and even India has accepted the Naga customary laws.’ Their customary practices are now safeguarded under Article-371 (A) of the Indian constitution, Prof. Yaden said.Saying that the institution of the Mokokchung Dobashi had already celebrated its 125th anniversary, Prof. Yaden said that the publication of the book was another milestone for them. He expressed hope that the documentation would help and ‘strengthen the district administration.’
Also, the president of the Ao Senden, Imolemba exhorted the Dobashi. He lauded them for the decision to document Ao customary laws. It will greatly help the future generations, he said. He urged the Dobashi to ‘willingly interpret the laws to those who come for interpretation so that everyone would understand the laws and practices.’
An aide-to-DC of Mokokchung, Temsumeren, gave a brief highlight of the book. He said that the institution of the Dobashi was created by the British in 1889; till today, the Dobashi have been assisting the administration in the dispensation of justice.
However, Temsumeren said, all the customary laws and practices were handed down verbally over the generations. Hence, a resolution was taken to document the customary laws, he said. After close consultations with the Ao Senden and the six ranges of the Ao community, approval was given to publish the book.
Temsumeren also maintained that in the 21st century, there was a concern that ‘most of the youngsters living in towns and cities’ and ‘the present and future generation’ would forget the customary laws of their forefathers. The book was published with the aim to ‘preserve their customary practices,’ he said.
The aide-to-DC also urged the people to appreciate the contributions of the Mokokchung district Dobashi. He appealed for rectifications, if any, that he said would be included in subsequent editions of the book.
Dobashi from all over Mokokchung district, besides officials from the Ao Senden attended the function.
The 62-page book is written in the Ao dialect. It is priced at Rs 150.