Nagaland Gaonbura body demands end to curbs on GBs in towns and villages

The Nagaland Gaonbura Federation (NGBF) has asked the state government to withdraw all restrictions on the appointment and functioning of Gaonburas (GBs) in both urban and rural areas, saying the curbs weaken one of the oldest institutions of Naga village life.

The demand was adopted unanimously at the federation's executive meeting in Dimapur on October 30, according to a press release from the NGBF media cell reported by The Morung Express.

Objection to government directives

Gaonburas are traditional village heads recognised by the government, who help run village administration and settle local matters under Naga customary practice. The federation said it was strongly opposed to, and deeply disappointed by, recent government directives, especially those restricting the appointment and work of GBs in urban areas.

It said these measures undermined the institution even though it had made repeated appeals, representations and clarifications to the government. The meeting resolved to once again urge the state to reconsider and withdraw all such restrictions and to protect the institution "in its entirety".

The federation also raised concerns about the Code of Ethics the state government has enforced for Gaonburas. It said some provisions of the code appeared to infringe on the fundamental rights and constitutional freedoms of citizens. The release did not specify which provisions it objected to.

Calling the GB institution integral to Naga customs, traditions and village administration, the NGBF said its history, dignity, authority and legitimate role must be recognised and safeguarded by the government.

Concern over more Naga political groups

The executive meeting also expressed deep concern over what it called the proliferation of Naga political groups. It said the formation of more groups, on top of the "thirty-odd" that already exist, was unwelcome and a matter of grave disappointment at a time when Naga people are waiting for an early, peaceful and honourable political solution.

The federation said ordinary people were already facing great hardship because of multiple taxation by various factions. It appealed to all sides to stop forming new factions and to work together for a resolution of the long-running Naga political issue.

Next general session in Dimapur

The meeting also decided that the NGBF General Session 2027 will be held in Dimapur district, and endorsed the Dimapur District GB Association (DDGBA) to host and organise it.

The federation has been an active voice on the Naga political question. In November 2025 it organised a common platform to press the Centre and Naga negotiators for an early solution.

There was no immediate response from the state government to the federation's latest demands.