- DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation
(NGBF) has reiterated its strong opposition to any proposal seeking to alter
the nomenclature or roles of the Gaon Buras (GBs), whether in urban or rural
areas.
- In a press release on Saturday, the federation stated that
the identity and authority of the Naga people are deeply rooted in the
customary system, with the GBs as custodians of Naga customary law, traditions,
and practices.
- The federation also asserted that this customary system
remains valid and recognised regardless of whether Nagas reside in rural
villages or urban settlements.
- “The institution of the Gaon Bura was established as early
as the 18th century and remains the oldest traditional institution in the
state. Its functioning is intrinsically woven into the customary laws and
practices of the Naga people.
- “Under this time-tested system, village elders and Gaon
Buras were vested with administrative and judicial powers, which have proven to
be beneficial and effective in the governance and judicial framework of the
state,” the NGBF maintained.
Also read: Nagaland's separate High Court dream faces funding hurdles
- It also mentioned that Naga territories are based on a
cohesive clan-based village system, which continues to be preserved even in new
and urban settlements.
- Pointing out that any alteration to this age-old
institution, including changes in its nomenclature or role, would have
unforeseen and far-reaching consequences, the federation cautioned that such
changes risk marginalising and eventually dismantling the institution of the
GBs.
- It went on to state that with the continuing process of
urbanisation, many traditional villages in Nagaland are being converted into
towns and cities.
- “If this trend continues without adequate safeguards, the
institution of the GBs may face complete erasure,” the NGBF stated.
- The federation appealed to the Government of Nagaland to
“reconsider and revoke the recent order that puts in abeyance any proposals for
fresh or replacement of GBs,” as per the Commissioner of Nagaland’s order dated
December 6, 2023.
- “The federation remains committed to safeguarding the
integrity and continuity of this esteemed institution and urges the government
to respect and uphold the customary values and traditional governance of the
Naga people,” it added.
