A book titled “Ao Naga customary laws and practices” authored by L Sosang Jamir, a retired government officer was released by K Temjen Jamir, editor Tir Yimyim at his residence at Landmark colony (PWD), Dimapur today.
Releasing the book, he said today Naga society is afflicted by moral bankruptcy mainly because we unconsciously disowned our good traditions and customary practices and adopted many foreign cultures without realizing its relevancy to our socio-political and cultural life.
He also said writing on customary laws in English needs different and better skills and requires a vast command of English vocabulary in order to deliver the correct meaning and ensure that nothing is lost in translation and lauded the author for bringing out the oral tradition in the book form in the interest of the younger generation.
He expressed hope that the book would speak to the young minds to revive the good traditional practices so as to restore social and moral order in our land.
Temjen opined that the University may also prescribe such books on customary laws and practices as text book for the benefit of the students.
The author in his brief note stated that though the customary laws vary a little even within the same community/village all has the same foundation. He expressed hope that the book will be used as a research base by the younger generation.
He also lauded his wife who had been very supportive to him while working on the book.
A dedicatory prayer was pronounced by Lima Jamir, Associate pastor, Dimapur Ao Baptist Church.
The author of the book who hails from Ungma village retired from service in the year 2001 as Deputy Commissioner (Judicial). He did his graduation from Guwahati University in 1965 and completed his LLB from Allahabad University in 1971.
He has already published two books in Ao dialect- “Ao Sobaliba” and “ Tar Nunger otsu”. The book will be available in the book stalls. Interested person also may contact the Heritage Publishing House, near IMC, Dimapur.