A Jail Committee comprising officials from the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority, prison department, and District Legal Services Authority conducted a joint visitation and legal awareness programme at Central Jail, Chümoukedima, and District Jail, Dimapur.

The team included Neiko Akami, DIG Prisons K Hamtok Phom, Senior Superintendent of Central Jail Solezhol Neikha, and Lonshithung Ezung, along with panel lawyers and Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC).

During a meeting at the office of the Senior Superintendent, members discussed infrastructure gaps, inmate welfare, and concerns related to hospitalised prisoners. The committee resolved to recommend installation of iron-bar doors for undertrial prisoners (UTPs) at hospital wards to enhance security.

At Central Jail, officials reported a total of 185 male inmates, including 109 UTPs, 55 convicts, 16 under NSA detention, and seven under PITNDPS, with 26 inmates currently receiving legal aid. The jail has been running rehabilitation initiatives such as computer education, distance learning, and vocational training in tailoring, carpentry, sanitary pad production, LED light manufacturing, repair work, and handicrafts. Earnings from these activities are being saved for inmates and will be handed over upon release.

A legal awareness session followed, chaired by panel lawyer Nishela Assumi. Akami addressed inmates on their legal rights and updated them on appeal and premature release cases. Ezung highlighted the NALSA Mulaqat Se Nyay Tak Legal Aid Desh scheme, under which panel lawyers will be available during mulaqat hours to assist inmates and their families on a weekly basis. Neikha encouraged inmates to reform and reintegrate into society, while Jailor Zubemo Ovung delivered the vote of thanks.

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The team later visited District Jail, Dimapur, where they recommended construction of a new barrack for male convicts, a separate ward block, worksheds for training and rehabilitation, installation of European-style toilets in the female ward, and construction of two septic tanks in the male ward.

District Jail currently houses 68 inmates, including 58 males and 10 females, with 22 inmates receiving legal aid. Another awareness session was conducted, chaired by panel lawyer Kiyekali, where officials informed inmates about their legal rights, case status, and the availability of legal aid. Unrepresented UTPs were also identified for assistance.

Assistant LADC Sangto Longchar explained the role of legal aid defence counsel, while Jailor Dozhoyi Cukhami delivered the vote of thanks.