GBs must uphold the legacy of their predecessors: Dr Sukhato

September 8, 2023 28 Views No Comment

Former bureaucrat’s book on Gaon Buras released

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 8

Dr Sukhato A Sema, MLA and Chairperson, Subordinate Legislative Committee, urged the Gaon Buras to remain steadfast in honoring the legacy of their predecessors. According to him, the GBs have consistently demonstrated unwavering support and cooperation to the government ever since the inception of the institution in the then Naga Hills district by the British colonial administration and continuing through to the establishment of the Nagaland state government.

“I consider the Gaon Buras as the source, protectors, interpreters and custodians of the Naga customary laws, practises and traditional values,” he said, while launching a book authored by a former bureaucrat, K Nzimongo Ngullie, who retired as Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Nagaland. The book, titled— ‘The Gaon Buras of the Villages and Towns in Nagaland’ was released on September 7, at a programme hosted by the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) in Dimapur.

He said that the GBs have since found themselves in challenging positions, recalling in particular the turbulent phases of the Indo-Naga political issue, safeguarding the well-being of innocent civilians caught in between, demonstrating remarkable courage and leadership.

While stating that they have diligently exercised the powers bestowed by the Article 371 (A) in upholding the customary laws, he added that the introduction of the Nagaland Village and Area Council Act in 1978 further elevated their position in village governance and reinforcing their pivotal role in grassroots governance, a tradition that continues to this day.

Given such a legacy, he reiterated, “I urge upon all the Gaon Buras to uphold the legacy of the former Gaon Buras and continue to uphold its integrity (while extending) cooperation and support to the government.”

The author, Nzimongo Ngullie, while noting the legacy and position of the Gaon Buras in governance, recalled his long professional association with the GBs as a government administrator. As the son of a Gaon Bura, who served during the British colonial era, he said that he has witnessed firsthand the crucial role played by the GBs.

Terming the position as a cornerstone of government administration in Nagaland, he said that the role of the Gaon Bura comes with great responsibility and it is imperative that it remains free of political bias. According to him, the GBs do not just serve as intermediaries between the government and the people; they also act as arbitrators and in many ways, as judges at the grassroots. In this role, he said it is essential for them to uphold the principles of fairness and justice.

Need for change
Further, as a society that continues to evolve, he placed emphasis on recognizing the need for change and adaptation. The Naga society coming to terms with government taxation has been one such pressing need, he said. While stating that depending on Central government welfare programmes alone will not suffice, he said that by starting to pay taxes to the state government, the people would contribute to funding public welfare programmes.