Eastern Nagaland GBs Union reaffirms GB’s relevance, urges state government to revoke urban suspension

DIMAPUR — The Eastern Nagaland GBs Union (ENGBU) has reiterated the constitutional relevance of the Goan Burah (GB) institution.

In a press release issued on Friday, the union asserted the GB institution’s importance in both rural and urban governance.

It maintained that the institution traces its origins to “British Indian administration and un-administered Naga areas in the Naga soil” and was formally introduced in 1886 under the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act.

Highlighting the GBs' role in maintaining law and order, supporting law enforcement, and coordinating with government departments, the union pointed out that GBs are recognised as legal entities under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which protects Naga customary law and practices.

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However, the ENGBU expressed concern over the state government’s move to suspend GB appointments in urban areas following a directive issued by the commissioner of Nagaland on December 6, 2023.

This, the union stated, has created a governance vacuum, depriving urban residents of local representatives to assist in administrative functions.

Calling the move detrimental to urban governance, the union appealed to the state government to revoke the order at the earliest opportunity.