Dimapur, Aug. 30 (EMN): Kiphire District Gaonburah's Association has urged the government to keep in abeyance the proposal to change the nomenclature and roles of Gaonburah's (GB) till a final settlement of the Naga peace talk is arrived at.
In a statement on Monday, the association stated that Kiphire district was home to three recognised tribes of Nagaland namely Sangtam, Sumi and Yimkhiung and each of these tribes have at least one Gaonburah in town under Kiphire district.
“The Gaonburahs act as the channel of peace amongst the tribes/citizens of the district, the disputes and differences pertaining to the customs and traditions of the above said tribes/citizens under the district are settled by the Gaonhurah (GB). Gaonburah's in towns are appointed by the government to handle the law and order situation that arises pertaining to customs and traditional practices thereby helping the smooth administration of the Government,” it read.
Meanwhile, Wokha District Gaon Bura Association (WDGBA) and the GB’s Union Wokha Town has opposed any proposal to change the nomenclature in Gaon Buras role both in urban and rural areas. It stated that the GB’s of Wokha district had been a custodian of Naga customary laws, traditions and practices .
“Therefore, the Association and the Union urge the Government of India and the State Govt. to value the institution and strengthen each other till the Naga political issue is settled,’ it read.
The Longleng District GB Association further asserted that the existence, role, powers and function of the GB in the Naga soil was “time immemorial and well established age-old custodian of the Naga customary practice”.
It stated that the Association was concerned about the proposal to change the role and nomenclature of the GB as it “would dilute the existence of the GB across the state”.
Therefore, the Association has appealed to the chief minister to recall the said proposal and “keep under one umbrella without distinguishing the urban and rural for the interest of the profound customary system and practice of the Nagas”.