A fellowship programme-cum-awareness under Drugs Awareness and Wellness Navigation (DAWN) Scheme 2025 was organised for the inmates of District Jail Longleng on September 7 with logistics support and initiative of Yingli Keikung, PLV Longleng District Legal Services Authority (LDLSA), in collaboration with the Phomla Hoichem.
Chairing the program, retainer lawyer LDLSA Panglang Y Phom said that the program is aimed to promote spiritual growth, rehabilitation and community engagement with the jail inmates. He also apprised the jail inmates about the DAWN Scheme for their awareness.
Delivering a message on harmful effects of drugs and intoxicants, president of Phomla Hoichem, Ainyu Phom shared the strategies to control the supply and demand chain of drugs. Secretary LDLSA Kumdilong Kessen expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Phomla Hoichem for the initiative and requested for further collaboration to teach skill-based activities to the jail inmates.
A testimony was also shared by a reformed addict and convict, where he challenged the inmates to overcome addiction and seek rehabilitation and spiritual support within oneself for a positive change.
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The executive members of Phomla Hoichem, led by Aphang Phom and the jail inmates presented a special number. The offering collected and money received from selling the banana chips were forwarded towards the inmates’ welfare fund.
After the fellowship program, the Phomla Hoichem led by its president taught the inmates about banana and potato chips making to engage the inmates in productive activities, and to help them build their skills during their rehabilitation and after their release from the prison.
The LDLSA donated the bananas and the packaging materials, while the oil was sponsored by the District Jail Longleng and the Pomla Hoichem donated a wok, vegetable slicer and other kitchen essentials.
Altogether, 17 inmates participated in making the banana and potato chips. Since the chips were made on trial basis, they were packed and sold to well-wishers only, informed a DIPR report.
Paralegal volunteer (PLV) Yingli Keikung and Manau Phom also extended their assistance during the program.
While proposing the vote of thanks, Assistant Jailor Bankathung Patton acknowledged that it was for the first time that an organization has taken the initiative to teach chips-making in District Jail Longleng.
