‘GBs have immense responsibility as guardians of customary laws’

September 6, 2022 26 Views No Comment

Dimapur, September 6 (MExN): The East Dimapur GB Association (EDGBA) comprising of 22 villages held its annual session with the theme ‘for a brighter tomorrow’ in Mandeville Garden, Purana Bazar on September 3.

The special guest, Hekani Jakhalu, founder YouthNet, Presidential Nari Shakti Puruskar Awardee encouraged the GBs that they have immense responsibility as guardians of customary laws with the special provisions of article 371 ‘A’ and they play a pivotal role in the progress of their respective villages in all aspects. “Hence, it was the responsibility of each citizen under their jurisdiction to cooperate, support and contribute in various community developmental activities,” she stated.

Jakhalu stressed the need for education and youth empowerment which essentially forms the basic foundation and pillar to have a futuristic vision plan of development and therefore, committed to work with 500 unemployed youth in the targeted areas.

To achieve a self-sustainable economy in the region and flourishing financial growth, she stressed the importance on road connectivity especially between villages as to create sustainable ecosystem for growth and relieve the hardships of the villagers.

For implementation of the Prime Minister’s Act East policy into south East Asia, because of the hilly topography of Nagaland, Jakhalu observed that “East Dimapur and plain areas in Dhansiripar belt, plays a critical role, since it is the only available plains for private industrial enterprise to expand to be potentially the entry point to South East Asia to fulfil the much awaited aspirations, where many new national highways are being constructed with rail heads and airport in close vicinity.”

She therefore emphasised to avoid selling of land for short term reliefs, which could otherwise hamper development in East Dimapur and surrounding rural areas, as land availability is critical for infrastructure development.

During the COVID pandemic while having the privilege to visit 45 villages in the area, to help the neediest villages by providing essential relief through the goodwill of corporate funding and donation, Jakhalu said that “it helped her introspect at the plight of the standard of living and took it as a challenge for her to bring positive growth and in the process the last man in the village should not be left behind.”

She stated that unity was the key for any society to prosper socially and economically and East Dimapur is like a Mini Nagaland, where there was equal representation from each tribe settled here.

“Therefore, there lies a huge challenge and potential to showcase East Dimapur as an example to the rest of the Nagas on the strength of unity, peace and harmony for collective growth,” she added.

“Being the daughter and permanent resident of East Dimapur,” she committed to work towards welfare of East Dimapur and identified key result areas which needed focused attention would be pursued at the highest level.

The session was chaired by EDGBA, President, Niuto Awomi. He expressed gratitude to the special guest and entourage of over 250 special invitees accompanying her for the event, that included central and State Government officials, presidents/office bearers from apex civil society organisations, Advisors ENPO, All Sumi Games and Sports Association, Western Sumi Youth Front, Western Sumi Sports Association, Western Sumi Students’ Union, Niuland District GB Association, Ato Area GB Association, Niuland and Ato Area Students Union, Aghunaqa Area Sports and Student Union, Garo, Dimasa and Mech (Kachari), Gorkha Frontal Organisation, leaders and association from Dhansiripar and various political parties including family and friends.

A short speech was delivered by Padampukri Village Council, Chairman, Aheto Yeptho. Vihoshe Awomi GB handed over a memorandum for upgradation of administrative circle under East Dimapur to Hekani Jakhalu to pursue at the Government level.

EDGBA, President, Niuto Awomi in a press release stated that as a token of gratitude, the special guest contributed 10 lakh for the welfare fund under EDGBA and Rs 5 lakh with additional 1 lakh each from Atoqa Tea factory and Global Network Group a total of 7 lakh, as seed money announced EDGBA Corpus Fund to be utilised during critical emergency, and unforeseen natural calamities etc., which would be further assisted in the future.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/gbs-have-immense-responsibility-as-guardians-of-customary-laws