The second day of the 22nd Triennial Conference cum 63rd Anniversary Celebration of the Nagaland Dobashi Association (NDBA) witnessed Deputy Chief Minister, T. R Zeliang attending as the Special Guest at the plenary session held at P. Shilu Ao Park in Mokokchung on 17th January 2025. The event is being held under the theme “Strengthening the Spirit of Nagaland Customary Laws and its Practices.” Commissioner Nagaland, K.S Anden Konyak, IAS, also graced the session as the Chieftain.

In his speech, T.R Zeliang emphasized the special provisions granted to the Naga people under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution. He reiterated the importance of these unique rights, highlighting that no act of Parliament affecting Naga Customary Laws, ownership of land, and resources can be enforced in Nagaland without the resolution passed by the state’s Legislative Assembly.

Zeliang urged the Dobashis and Gaon Buras (GBs) to be aware of these constitutional protections and to stand united in safeguarding them. He stressed the need to strengthen the village council and area council Act of 1978 to ensure the preservation of Naga Customary practice and usages.

He also advocated for greater transparency in Dobashi judgement, noting, “if judgements are delivered with the highest transparency and without partiality, no court will be able to challenge them.” He suggested the introduction of a basic Naga Law (Customary Law) in a three-tier system, which could be enacted through the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to establish a unified and untouchable customary legal framework.

Highlighting the importance of Dobashi in providing an accessible and culturally relevant justice system, Zeliang noted that Dobashi courts could effectively resolve local disputes within the state, serving as an alternative to formal courts.

Zeliang praised the Dobashis and GBs as the backbone of governance and administration in Nagaland. He expressed gratitude to the outgoing NDBA team for their contributions, congratulated the incoming team, and urged them to take seriously their role in preserving the Naga Customary system.

The session included exhortation by the Chieftain while short speeches were delivered by the Vice President of the Nagaland GB Federation and the General Secretary of Ao Senden. Cultural items were presented by Mon District Dobashis and Watsü Mungdang.