Land and Forest Governance in the Naga Village Republic

WEB ABSTRACT: The Nagas are a trans-boundary people, comprised of over 40 tribes, living in the Naga Hills split between north-east India and north-west Myanmar. Naga people have deep historic, cultural and spiritual ties to their land, which is managed through the Naga customary tenure system. The customary tenure system defines who can use and manage different resources, including households, clans, villages and tribes – and provides rules for how they should be managed. Customary institutions, from the village council and village chief to tribal councils and intertribal organizations, have responsibility for setting and enforcing these rules. The customary justice system provides a framework to resolve disputes through mediation and enforce village rules with penalties and fines. Together, customary laws and institutions ensure a diverse and sustainable land use system that provides for livelihoods and food security, adaptively manages resources, protects the environment and maintains cultural and religious traditions.

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