Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio calls for strengthening of Naga c
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio calls for strengthening of Naga customary laws and courts
Addressing the Sekrenyi-cum-mini Hornbill festival celebration at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio emphasised the need to strengthen Naga customary laws and courts
Chief Minister Dr.
Neiphiu Rio addressing the Sekrenyi-cum-mini Hornbill festival at the
Amphitheatre, Kisama, Naga Heritage Village. (EM Images)
KISAMA — Chief
Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday emphasised the need to strengthen Naga
customary laws and courts.
He was addressing the Sekrenyi-cum-mini Hornbill festival
celebration at the Amphitheatre in Kisama, Naga Heritage Village. Rio
highlighted the need to preserve, protect, and promote culture and traditions.
He pointed out that Nagas have different festivals, and
being farmers, many of the festivals are linked to agricultural practices. For
the Angami community, Sekrenyi, also called Phousanyi, is a time for the
sanctification of the body and soul to ensure good health and longevity.
Rio recalled how he had proposed a common Sekrenyi Festival
day when he was the chairman of the Area Council for Northern Angami. Based on
his experience, he had suggested this to the Angami Public Organisation due to
the absence of a common date, as the celebration varied.
In this context, he reiterated that even though Nagas are a
Christian community, Sekrenyi is celebrated across different places, bringing
people together on one platform with friends, in-laws, and other tribes.
Chief Minister Dr.
Neiphiu Rio and other Angami legislators with the Angami Public Organisation
and other guests and invitees on Wednesday at the Amphitheatre, Kisama, Naga
Heritage Village. (EM Images)
The chief minister reminded that even during the colonial
rule, Naga traditions, culture, and customary laws were undisturbed. “Rather,
they were given protection, and the British introduced the Dobashi (DB) and
Gaon Bura (GB) systems, with DB and GB courts still in practice today,” he
said.
Rio asserted that the state government—with the view of
protecting culture, tradition, and customs—had introduced the Hornbill
Festival, drawing lakhs of people to witness and experience the traditions,
culture, and heritage of the Nagas.
He emphasised the need to use the festivals as occasions to
retrospect and introspect.
Rio stressed the need to further strengthen the subordinate
courts, DB courts, and GB courts, adding that the state government intends to
promote customary laws even further.
He informed that all tribes have written down their
customary laws and submitted them to the state government, which has documented
them.
Highlighting the importance of a tribal apex court, he
stressed the need for its establishment, citing the resolution of the
Dzüko-Kezoltsa issue through the court of the Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation.
He said that such a court would prevent people from seeking
resolutions in other courts, which require clients to hire advocates at high
fees. He added that through customary laws, disputes could be resolved in ways
that even the High Court and Supreme Court might not be able to, ensuring peace
and harmony in society.
The chief minister emphasised the need for collaboration
between the state government and the tribe hohos, stating that customary laws
and their courts cannot be undermined.
Commending the wisdom of elders and ancestors, he noted that
despite their lack of formal education, they had thrived in an agrarian economy
and were hard-working. However, he expressed concern over the current state of
society, where many are unwilling to work hard. He remarked that those who
celebrate the Sekrenyi festival with their own sweat and labour differ from
those who borrow money to celebrate.
He said that although the ancestors worked hard, they did
not exploit resources due to the absence of greed, instead maintaining a
balance and sustainability. He emphasised the need for the present generation
to have concern for posterity.
With Angamis inhabiting the state capital area and Kisama
Naga Heritage Village being within their territory, he expressed delight that
they came forward to celebrate the Sekrenyi festival. He also encouraged other
tribes to celebrate their festivals at Kisama.
Furthermore, he informed that the Konyak Heritage Village
site will be inaugurated during the upcoming Aoleang Festival in the first week
of April.
Earlier, greetings were delivered by Theja-o Vihienuo, the
president of Angami Public Organisation, who emphasised the significance of the
festival in purifying the mind, body, and spirit to receive divine blessings.
Highlighting the evolving nature of the celebration,
Vihienuo stated that while Sekrenyi is traditionally observed as an ancestral
ritual, it can also be celebrated in a Christian spirit. He encouraged the
community to use the occasion to renew their bond with God, regardless of their
faith.
Vihienuo also maintained that this year’s festival held
added significance as North East Christian University had conferred a Doctorate
of Letters upon Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, marking a special milestone for the
state.
The formal programme was followed by an exhibition of Naga
Wrestling (under 12 & 15) and a tug-of-war competition.
