Tribal customs need to adapt to changing social situations to ensure growth and prosperity: Ukl DC
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul, April 06 2018: The three-day National seminar on 'Tribal Issues and Customary Laws at Present Scenarios and Development Issues in the Context of Hill-Valley Relations' concluded today at multipurpose hall, Mini Secretariat, sending a message that it is time for the tribals to reverse the trend of marginalizing tribal rights and their customary laws for development.

The seminar organised by Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) in collaboration with the district administration Ukhrul from April 4 , under the sponsorship of North Eastern Council (NEC), was inaugurated by Ukhrul DC Harmit Singh Pahuja in the presence of TNWL president AS Vaomi, village chiefs/headmen and seminar chairpersons Zanyo Varam and H Ramngathing.

In his inaugural address, DC Pahuja exhorted the village chiefs/headmen from across villages to make more sacrifices to secure development for their respective villages while adding that the Government is ready to extend every possible help to them.

Highlighting the grim scenario of Government schools in the district, he further urged the respective village authorities to work with local SMDCs to enhance the prospect of education across the district.

The DC also called for self-discipline among the citizens and noted that tribal customs need to adapt to the changing social situations to ensure growth and prosperity.

Assistant Professor of LMS Law College Imphal, Dr Vareso Ningshen stated that the objective of the seminar was to deliberate on varied topics related to the burning issues of the tribals including their political/governance insufficiencies, customary laws and practices and developmental issues.

Well prepared presentations on relevant topics were shown by many learned scholars and intellectuals during the three day seminar, apart from expert lectures, discussions, deliberations and interactive question-answer sessions.

On the day first of the seminar, Dr Vareso Ningshen spoke on 'Article 371-C of the Indian Constitution and its implications on Tribal Rights/Hill People Customary Laws', while Post Doctoral Fellow, DU, Dr Tuisem Ngakang dwelt on 'Role of Customary Laws in Protecting Traditional Knowledge and Culture' .

CJM Ukhrul, Alek Muivah came up with views on how customary laws and Indian criminal system can be made to complementary each other, while Dr Remai Joy, Assistant Professor, Amity University explained about various aspects of development programmes in the villages in terms of different levels of agencies, individuals for the collective development of the community.

He also delved into varied aspects of development situation in tribal areas in the present context of hill-valley relationship, stating that the two communities will ever remain inseperable and advocated building strong ties between the two for mutual benefits.

Dr Pamreihor Khashimwo, Research Associate, Centre for Air Power Studies Delhi stressed on socio-economic changes in tribal areas against the background of socio-political unrest, while Dr Achan Mungleng, independent researcher and consultant spoke on tribal customary rights and identity of indigenous people on the third day of the seminar.

During the discussion, varied perspectives emerged on the relevant topics and it was agreed to follow up with similar brainstorming seminars in the coming days.

With their fabulous songs, Popular Tangkhul singers As Weapon, Esau Makang, SW Oshim and Kaphaoleng Angkang also provided entertainment to more than 300 participants.

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