Asserting that GBs are the guardian and custodians of the customary law and order, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland Pangnyu Phom called upon the GB’s Association, Longleng to maintain the dignity and prestige of the GB, and discharge their roles and responsibility wisely with utmost sincerity. Pangnyu was addressing the inaugural function of the Customary Court of GB’s Association of Longleng on 9th January 2023 near the Public Ground PPC ward.
Random appointments of GBs without following government policies and traditions, negative attitudes, and involvement of GBs in politics have lost some of the dignity and trust of the people in the recent past. The existence of GBs since the era of the British Raj was attributed to the responsive role played by our early GBs, he added.
To make it a reality and to mark the inauguration of the Customary Court, Pangnyu appealed to the association to reform and rededicate themselves in their noble service, and restore the past glory, respect, and dignity of the GBs by adopting a wise decision to deliver justice to the people. He informed that although GBs are not government servants yet they are very much part and parcel of the government because GBs are authorized and appointed by the Government to maintain law and order under their respective jurisdiction/village. He further maintained that the united voice of the Nagaland GBs’ Association has been nationalized and respected by the Government of India.
He also lauded the efforts made by the association and extended gratitude to the district administration and former Deputy Commissioner M. Shayung Phom for the allocation of a site in the heart of the town for the Customary Court.
The Deputy Commissioner, Longleng Dharam Raj, in his short speech, said he was of the view that GB’s Customary Court should have been bigger to preserve the customary documents and books because it is a traditional institute that has a strong root connection with the people. He lauded the GBs for coming up with the beautiful building without financial support from the Government. Speaking on the grievances of the GBs the DC assured that the administration will extend cooperation and support to the association to redress their issues. DC also felt that more roles and responsibilities should be entrusted to the GBS along with financial assistance from the Government. It’s the right time to focus on the preservation of the institutions by the Government, he added.
The President of Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC) Shami Angh also spoke at the inaugural program.
Earlier, dedicatory prayer was pronounced by Tialemba, Executive Secretary of Phom Baptist Church Association (PBCA), and a welcome address by T. Yingie Phom, LDGBA.
(DPRO Longleng)
