UKHRUL/DLEHI: The Tangkhul Scholars’ Association in collaboration with Rajdhani College, University of Delhi, organised a one-day national seminar on “Tribal Legal System: With Special Reference to Tangkhul Naga Tribe” at Rajdhani College on Friday.
The seminar was sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research and held under the patronship of Rajdhani College Principal Prof. Darshan Pandey. Dr. Yuimirin Kapai, Associate Professor of the college, served as the convener.
According to the Tangkhul Scholars’ Association, the seminar brought together scholars, legal experts and researchers to discuss indigenous legal systems, customary laws and their relevance in present-day society.
Prof. R Vashum of the School of Social Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University, delivered the keynote address and spoke on the importance of customary institutions and legal pluralism in preserving tribal identity and maintaining social harmony.
The first technical session was chaired by Prof. Suman Kumar. Prof. Yaruingam Awungshi, Head of the Department of African Studies, University of Delhi, spoke on socio-legal issues in tribal societies, while Ms. Akali V. Konghay, Joint Secretary and Legislative Counsel at the Ministry of Law and Justice, discussed constitutional safeguards and legal policies concerning tribal communities.
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An expert panel discussion moderated by Ms. W. Themmichon Ramson, Assistant Professor at Lakshmibai College, focused on Tangkhul customary laws and indigenous justice systems.
Rev. Somi Kasomwoshi presented a paper on Tangkhul customs and traditions, while Mr. Hormi Zimik, Chief Justice of Tangkhul Naga Long Karot, spoke on procedural laws and implementation of customary practices.
Another session featured Dr. Anubha Anushree, who spoke on decolonising methodologies and contemporary approaches in indigenous research.
The seminar also saw research presentations on women’s rights, inheritance, marriage customs, indigenous medicine, language preservation and tribal identity.
Participants stressed the need to preserve indigenous knowledge systems and customary institutions while encouraging reforms based on equality, justice and democratic values.
The programme concluded with a call for greater academic engagement with tribal legal systems and the preservation of Tangkhul Naga customary traditions and heritage.