Village chief says no to separation of Judiciary

Kohima, Mar 31(UNI) Nagaland Village Chief (Gaon Burah) Federation has opposed the seperation of Judiciary from the Executive in the state.

In a petition to the Nagaland Governor, the Federation Adviser T L Angami requested him to intervene into the matter.

Defending customary law, Mr Angami said traditional courts bring peace, unity and reconciliation between warring groups ''without spending a single penny. This unique feature was readily recognized by the British who adopted a policy of non-interference and enabled us to evolve a system based on our customs and usages.'' He said in the petition, copy of which had been sent to the Prime Minister and the state Chief Minister, said, ''Naga customary law and usages are incorporated in Article 371-A of Indian Constitution.'' Further, Mr Angami said seperation of Judiciary or imposition of Central Acts like Forest, Land and Taxation Act upon the Nagas without the will of village authorities, amount to serious breach of faith among people and its representatives, he said.

UNI AS JYN RD 1409