BASAR, 26 Jun: Aya, Rokpo and Dodo segments in Leparada district were declared as community land of Disi village under customary laws and traditions of the Galo community during the Disi village general assembly (lunv banv) held on 19 June.
The village’s general assembly, held under the chairmanship GB Sento Riba, has also demarcated boundaries of the community land based on oral evidence, occupational history, government records,etc.
The declaration seeks to preserve customary land rights, protect the cultural identity and unity of the village, and safeguard the collective interests of present and future generations.
The assembly further declared that no individual, family or group shall claim exclusive ownership over any portion of the declared community land.
“Existing occupants shall continue to enjoy peaceful customary occupation and use of their respective holdings; however, such occupation shall not confer absolute ownership,” a press release stated.
It also prohibited the sale, transfer, mortgage, gift, lease, exchange or any other form of alienation of the declared community land without the prior approval of the village assembly to prevent fragmentation and unauthorised alienation of village land.
The village assembly also reaffirmed the long-established principles of Galo customary law, previous community resolutions, and traditional practices recognising village settlement lands as community property held collectively for the benefit and welfare of the entire village.
During the meeting, the village assembly also constituted the Disi Village Development Committee,with Mobom Riba as its chairman, to coordinate developmental activities, preserve the village’s cultural heritage, strengthen community unity, and promote the conservation of its flora and fauna.
The village assembly expressed confidence that the resolution would serve as a landmark example for other villages in promoting responsible customary land governance, community unity, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
The assembly was attended by HGBs Chiken Dirchi and Seni Riba, GBs, GPC Migo Riba, DSP Kengo Dirchi, retired DDSE Dakken Riba, retired teacher Jummar Riba, DHO Henbom Dirchi, senior citizens, women, and youth representatives.
