EMN
Dimapur, November 16
The use of might as an instrument to influence order is a concept associated only with primitive societies; modern civilized people, civilized societies and organizations trust in the Rule of Law, a recent meeting of Chakhesang community leaders was told. Public leaders of western Chakhesang communities met on November 15 in Western Chakhesang Hoho’s building in Dimapur. The meeting focused on ‘adaptation.’
Chief Judicial Magistrate of Dimapur Muzivolű T Therieh spoke on legal rights and their entitlements. She opined that the village authorities derive their power from the Rules of 1937 incorporated under Article 371.
“Law must be interpreted to meet the ends of justice; Solution through compromise formula may not work in every case because it neither acts as a reformative measure or deterrent,” she said. “Forced compromise emboldens the criminals to do more wrongs, she added.
The judicial officer stated further that the law of the jungle ‘Might is right’ is a concept of the past. “In a civilized society we should let the rule of law prevail. Regular courts manned by judicial officials and the customary courts manned by the village authorities must know its shared responsibilities. In this context, the village authorities need to work within the power as laid down under the rule. It should not be a threat factor but should cohesively exist to deliver justice to the people,” the magistrate told the gathering.
The legal service authority provides free legal services and aid to all having an income of less than 1 lakh per year. Therieh dwelt on the need of the leaders to be more responsible and accountable for the use of public funds. She cited as instance the mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The scheme must be utilized in the ‘best possible way to achieve its objectives of poverty alleviation and rural development,’ she said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Medziphema Zhothisa Dawhuo also spoke about the role of district administration, nongovernmental organizations. “Everyone plays an important role in maintaining the tranquility of the society whether is it the district administration or the nongovernmental organizations or civil society,” Dawhuo.
The functions of the district administration and the civil organizations may be different but their objectives are the same, that is, good of men and society, the official said. “Each institution is run by men alike for their own good therefore the need to foster co-relational work should be maintained. NGOs and civil societies play an important role in the proper functioning and channelization of various program,” he said.
However, Dawhuo said there were a large number of nongovernmental organizations in the state and the need is to search for leaders who are “socially motivated” and they should be allowed to lead the people.
“Unity fosters growth and development of oneself and the society at large. The rich culture and its proper ways of practicing it are important in uniting the people. It is therefore essential to promote the rich cultural heritage for it promotes good morality among its citizen," the additional deputy commissioner said.
The meeting was organized by Western Chakhesang Youth Organization and sponsored by Western Chakhesang Hoho. The meeting was attended by public leaders, government officials, village leaders and elders, youth representatives, delegates from students’ bodies, women, churches and members of various nongovernmental organizations. During the meeting various issues were discussed alongside current issues concerning the society and the people.
