The High Court Bar Association Kohima, Nagaland on May 17 organized a tree plantation program at the New High Court Complex, Kohima. The event was gract by Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio as the Chief Guest, along with T. N. Manen, Advisor, Law & Justice, Justice Kakheto Sema Judge, Gauhati High Court, Minister G Kaito Aye, Advisor S. Kiusumew Yimchunger and other officials.
Appreciating the initiative of the Association, Dr. Neiphiu Rio remarked that the plantation drive is a significant move and a noble venture involving many legal brains including judges, prosecutors, members of the Bar Association. He also acknowledged that the new site of the High Court building will have a greener ambience with the initiative. “Planting of trees by such high judicial officials will also fill a part of this location. I feel strongly that this will encourage other Departments or organizations to take up plantations,”stated Rio.
Reflecting on a Chinese Proverb -The best time to plant a trees was 20 years ago, but the second best time to plant a tree is today- Dr. Rio encouraged everyone to promote the natural ecosystem and continually protect the environment to leave something for younger generations.
In his introductory remarks, C. T. Jamir, Sr. Advocate, President, HCBA said that the High Court is an important public institution and it is the duty of each one to develop and take care of such institutions. “Keeping this in mind, the HCBA in 2023 organized tree plantation program but since the HC is under construction lots of trees were destroyed in the process of development and also due to a massive landslide in-front of the HC many were washed away. The association thought It was appropriate to organize another tree plantation in 2025 since construction is nearing its completion,” said Jamir.
He also informed that trees like Australia Pine, London Pine etc has been procured from Assam along with fruit bearing trees. Jamir further appealed for the completion of the New HC as early as possible.
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In his remarks, Justice Kakheto Sema, highlighted that the act of planting a tree may seem small, but it carries profound meaning. Appreciating the Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, and Advisor, T.N. Mannen, for their steadfast support to the judiciary, he said, “Under the dynamic leadership and personal commitment of the Chief Minister, the State Government has, over the past two years, sanctioned more than Rs. 150 crores for the construction of the new High Court building.”
Justice Kakheto Sema said that this significant investment is a reflection of the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening the justice delivery system in the State. “These collective efforts reaffirm the long – standing and rightful aspiration of the people of Nagaland – for the establishment of a separate High Court. This is not merely an administrative convenience; it is a matter of constitutional dignity, regional identity, and equal access to justice. A separate High Court will not only strengthen the legal infrastructure of the State, but also ensure that justice is dispensed with greater efficiency, sensitivity, and proximity to the people,” he maintained.
He also called upon the gathering to continue with the vision to work towards with unity, purpose, and the unwavering belief that Nagaland deserves a judicial institution of its own, worthy of its people and its future.
Earlier during the program, Joshua Sheqi, Secretary, HCBA chaired the program, while the invocation was conducted by A. Zho.
