Naga village chiefs in Manipur reaffirm commitment to preserving tribal heritage

SENAPATI — The Naga Village Chiefs Federation, Manipur (NVCFM), has reiterated its stand on safeguarding the heritage and customary practices of the hill tribes amid ongoing discussions on traditional governance structures.

The reaffirmation follows recent correspondence sent to the President of India concerning traditional leadership systems in Manipur’s hill regions. In its statement on Friday, the federation acknowledged the wider debate shaped by various legislative frameworks introduced by the government of Manipur and the government of India. While these laws aim to streamline administration, NVCFM said they have also prompted a renewed reflection on the value of tribal customs that have guided Naga communities long before external systems of governance emerged.

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According to the federation, the traditional chieftainship system remains a central pillar of tribal identity, grounded in community cohesion, sustainable resource management and fair decision-making. These practices, refined over centuries, continue to provide stability and have evolved responsibly in response to contemporary realities.

The NVCFM encouraged all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, stressing that any change in governance must respect the diversity and historical depth of tribal traditions. It noted that preserving customary institutions does not hinder national progress but enhances it by promoting inclusive and culturally rooted governance.

Further, the organisation said it remains committed to working with government bodies and community organisations to find pathways that uphold both legal frameworks and indigenous heritage.