Need for codified Naga customary law: Mannen

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Dec 13 (NP) Advisor for Law and Justice, Land Revenue TN Mannen has called for formulating and codifying Naga customary laws, and unite for resolution of the Naga political issue and address the border issue with Assam.


Addressing the silver jubilee celebration of the Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) at the Capital Convention Centre here on Tuesday on the theme “Forging Equitable Justice”, Mannen cautioned that unless refined and codified, the Naga customary laws would become irrelevant in less than half a century.


He noted that despite more than 50 years of statehood, the organisational structure for setting up customary law courts in Nagaland was yet to be established.
He maintained that the past relevance of customary laws at the village level was not sufficient for handling contemporary issues such as disputes between larger organisations, inter-marriage issues, or inter-tribal and inter-village disputes.
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Mannen stressed establishing a clear legal framework to address these evolving challenges.
Referring to the Indo-Naga political issue, Mannen noted with concern that the initial enthusiasm for a united Naga nation had diminished and highlighted the challenges in negotiating with the Central government and the increasing tribalism, intolerance, and personal rivalries among the Nagas.


Commenting on the border row with Assam, he acknowledged the disadvantageous position of the Nagas and traced the historical context of the boundary issue between Assam and Nagaland. He claimed that disputes arose from the 1925 line drawn by the British without ground verification.


Despite various attempts to find a solution, including Boundary Commission, litigation at the Supreme Court, local commission, and arbitration, he regretted that no acceptable solution had been reached.


He also expressed concern over Assam allegedly encroaching on to reserved forest areas and stressed addressing the boundary dispute for the economic development of Nagaland.
The advisor urged the young people to actively engage in addressing these issues and contribute to shaping the future of the society, besides seizing the opportunities offered by the NLSF and colleges to enhance their knowledge, gain valuable experience, and develop a robust professional foundation.


Emphasising the pivotal role of legal profession in society, the adviser highlighted its significant contribution in ensuring justice and equality.
He urged the law students to actively participate in refining, codifying, and standardising laws to contribute to the development and improvement of the legal framework.


Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Jubilee Organising Committee convener T Lima and obituary reference was administered by Hukato, alumni.
Former NLSF speaker Thungbeni Kikon chaired the programme and NLSF’s first lady president Imliben Lemtur extended silver jubilee greetings.


Nagaland Legislative Assembly speaker Sharingain Longkumer was present as the distinguished guest, while Nagaland Bar Association (NBA) president advocate Akito Zhimomi delivered the keynote address.


NLSF president T Tohuka Achumi gave the presidential address, while federation’s inaugural president Tiakaba Jamir conveyed greetings.
The Jubilee Resolution Committee presented a report on the resolutions passed during the event.

Source: https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/need-for-codified-naga-customary-law-mannen/

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