Hill people mainly confine to customary & conventional laws: Gaikhangam
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 16 2014 :
Acknowledging that Manipur has the highest legal awareness in the entire northeastern States, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the portfolio of Home asserted that having vast knowledge and legal awareness are two much needed elements to enhance quality of a person.
The Dy CM was attending the 25th Foundation Day celebration of High Court Bar Association of Manipur as the chief guest at the auditorium of High Court of Manipur at Mantripukhri, Imphal East today.
Gaikhangam said that a person who has zero legal knowledge is like isolating from the rest of the world, while conceding that people of valley have better legal knowledge from those of hills.
Pointing out that people of hills largely follow customary laws and conventional laws instead of established laws, the Dy CM contended that village authorities in hills adopt customary laws and conventional laws as a procedure to sort out any eventuality.
''At the same time one should not conclude that customary laws should not be followed.
Adherence to established laws is much necessary to maintain peace and development in the country.
Even protecting and demanding one's rights require laws,'' Gaikhangam remarked.
The Dy CM maintained that development in hills would be hindered if its people are confined to only customary laws, while adding that it is high time for people of hills to expand their vision and strive for favorable changes.
Admitting that the instance of disposing of cases in courts in the State is high due to high registration of cases, Gaikhangam said that the high rate of registration of case in courts seeking justice is a clear indication that people have legal awareness.
The Dy CM went on to say that proper justice will be delivered only when legal procedures are strictly followed.
Besides senior advocate L Shyamkishwor, president of High Court Bar Association of Manipur who attended as president, the function was also attended by L Ibomcha, MLA Keishamthong Constituency; PHED Minister I Hemochandra; Th Ibohal, Ld Advocate General of Government of Manipur; RK Manisana, former Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court; H Kaminikumar, former Judge of Gauhati High Court; Maibam Binoykumar, former Judge of Gauhati High Court; Mutum Binoykumar, former Judge of Gauhati High Court; Asok Potsangbam, former Judge of Gauhati High Court and RK Imo, MLA of Sagolband Constituency as guests of honor.
To mark the occasion, Dy CM Gaikhangam released a souvenir of High Court Bar Association of Manipur.