Dimapur : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said there is a need to streamline and document customary laws to strengthen and improve the justice delivery system. Urging the Naga traditional institutions of the state to work with utmost integrity and deliver justice to the people, he said the streamlining is to strengthen hands of government and society as a whole. Rio was addressing the general conference of the Nagaland DBs’ Association held in Phek. The conference was held under the theme “backbone of administration”.
In order to improve delivery of justice through the customary system, the CM urged the DBs to take steps towards documentation, record-keeping and also streamline customary laws. These, he said, should be done in consultation with all tribal hohos so that different conventions and laws of all the tribes are properly recorded. “This will greatly benefit the future generations”.
The chief minister appreciated the role being played by the joint forum of the DBs and GBs, who he said, have worked tirelessly for unity and reconciliation. Rio observed that the DBs carry an important responsibility in the justice delivery system because “the DBs are the custodians of the Naga customary laws”. However, the CM warned that wrong or biased decisions have the potential to create divisions, misunderstandings and even violence.
Rio also praised the system of Naga customary laws saying there are no ‘losers or winners’ under them. Rather, he said, the aim of the system is to achieve reconciliation, understanding and compromise. The CM also suggested to the DBs to hold seminars, conferences and refresher courses, especially for the new appointees. Towards this end, he assured cooperation and assistance of the State Government.
Taking the opportunity, Rio made another appeal for peace and reconciliation. He hoped all sections of the people would work for understanding and oneness so that an honorable solution to the Indo-Naga political problem would be brought about through political negotiations, “so that we can work towards prosperity and progress”.
Others who participated in the opening function were the Nagaland GBs Federation and the Chakhesang Public Organization with both the respective presidents delivering short speeches. The Phek Village Mothers and the choir of the Phek Town Baptist Church performed a song each. The formal programme was followed by a cultural exhibition with cultural troupes from different districts in participation. Among those present in the function were his ministerial colleagues and a host of senior civil and police officers of the government and public leaders of the area and district.
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