Customary Laws and Environmental Conservation: A Case Study on Idu-Mishmi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh

Customary is a usual practice and activities associated with a certain society, places, or set of circumstances and laws are regulating that state of affairs. The general philosophical basis of the concept 'Custom' is it refers to a set of established patterns of interactive behavior among mankind, which can be objectively verified in a particular social setting, because these behaviors are adopted in everyday routines. The term 'Law' refers to the principles, rules, rights and obligations that administer social interactions and processes. Idu-Mishmi one of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh known for strong believer of indigenous knowledge system including the customary laws in almost all the practices. All activities are guided by some set of laws that the legitimate obligation during the ancestral period. There are some sets of laws on land, river and forest which is intrinsically followed. Land, river and forest are owned by individual, clan or community. Customary laws complement the statutory laws against the uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources and local environmental laws. They are central to the very identity of indigenous peoples and local communities, defining rights, obligations, and responsibilities of members relating to important aspects of their lives, including use of and access to natural resources. With the advent of modern education system, the changes in customary laws are much deviated from its originality. The customary laws on ecology are also become lesser followed by the present generation. The writings and the documentation of this laws are important for the future use and to impart the value of local knowledge system and customary laws vis-a vis environmental conservation.