"Gaon Burrah (Village elders in Nagaland) was never just about tax collection" ::: Harsh and candid observations had unnerved Status Quo club and its powerful eco-system

“The institution of Gaon Burrah (Village elders in Nagaland) was never just about tax collection but functioned as the government’s arm at the village level,” the Nagaland Gaonburah Federation (NGBF) said while lashing out at MLA and NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon for “immature and thoughtless” remarks.

The NGBF maintained that the government of India retained and recognised  the importance of Village Elders after Independence. The statement comes in the wake of Kikon's remarks made on the floor of the Legislative Assembly on March 26.

The federation defended the historical and societal role of gaonburahs (GBs) and questioned the legislator’s understanding of Naga institutions and the ongoing  political process. The NGBF stated that it was “deeply pained” by the comments, adding that in an “Opposition-less House,” there was no immediate correction to the “irresponsible and incorrect statements,” compelling the federation to respond as custodians of traditional authority in Naga society.


It underscored that gaonburahs are not mere appointees of the Home department, as allegedly suggested by Achumbemo, but are rooted in the traditional governance systems of Naga villages.


It traced the formalisation of the institution to the British colonial era, when village elders and respected leaders were incorporated into administrative structures to bridge tribal societies with modern governance. 

It said the GBs are not salaried government employees but continue to serve as grassroots representatives under challenging conditions.

There have been attempts in the past as well to present NGBF in poor light. 

But the organisation which has a credibility of its own - notwithstanding the displeasure of certain Naga groups and state politicians, have been doing its part for arriving at a Solution to the long pending Naga political issue.

A senior analyst had said -- not long ago -

"It's time to feel humble and bow down before Democratic voice that has emerged from the wilds of the northeast. Some saboteurs pushed Ideological untouchability. Others believed in intellectual superiority -- all these negativity were rejected".

In 2025, the NGBF in a statement had said:

"If Negotiating entities are lacking in sincerity and political will to deliver an assured Solution on the Naga issue; the indefinite talks should come to an end". 

Such harsh and candid observations did not go in favour of the Status Quo club and its powerful and wide eco-system including a self-styled Metaphysical organisation - which has only bought time and allowed the wrongdoers thrive in more ways than one.  

The demand for the merger of the two agreements, which the Government of India has signed separately with  the NSCN (IM) and Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) was adopted at what was hailed to be a consultative meeting of the “Naga Civil Societies” convened by the Nagaland GB Federation, Peace committee in Dimapur on March 20, last year.

Enchanting North East of India 

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