Gaonburas should be supportive of the govt: Dy CM Patton

January 24, 2024 8 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 24

As appointees of the government, Gaonburas should cooperate and be supportive of the government machinery, said Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton. Making the comment at the new office building inauguration programme of the GB Union Dimapur (GBUD) at Zakiesato colony, on January 23, the Deputy CM acknowledged that the GBs have genuine grievances but that it should not reflect in their conduct towards the government. He did not however specify what the grievances implied. “If you co-operate with the government, you are most welcome to my office anytime,” he added.

As custodians of customs and dispensers of justice at the grassroots, he termed them as “pillars of our society.” “Therefore, you have a very big responsibility,” he added.

While the GBs largely function in a homogenous structure in a village setting, in a cosmopolitan city like Dimapur, he said that their responsibility takes on an entire new dimension. As such, individuals, who enjoy the trust of the community, are generally accorded the role, he maintained.

Besides aiding the state administration in maintaining law and order, he cited “illegal immigration” as another issue which the GBs should keep an eye out for.

He then termed the GBUD finally getting its own office building, after 34 long years, as a historic occasion and thanked the donors, including the land donor.
Further, with regard to colonies, which are yet to appoint GBs, Patton said that the Home Department should be informed.

Discouraging ‘compromise’
Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, pointed out an area of concern which, he said, requires the GBs playing a proactive role. As a law-keeper, he was alluding to the practice of settling matters, including criminal cases, out of court or under the guise of customary law, via a loosely used term called “compromise.”

He discouraged it, while stating that the GBs should take the lead in educating the public that “cases against the state” like murder, rape and other grave offences cannot be settled the customary way.