An awareness program on “Humans Rights and the role of Human Rights Commission in its better protection” was held on August 24 at the auditorium hall, Kohima law college.
The event was organised by the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) in collaboration with the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) and Kohima law College
In his keynote address, Justice S. Serto, Chairman of the NSHRC, emphasized that law is paramount as the country operates under its governance. He encouraged students to become avid readers and highlighted the severe impact of the drug problem in the Northeast, particularly in Nagaland. He pointed out that Manipur experiences a massive drug trade, generating around seven thousand crores a year, and that much of it passes through Nagaland, ensnaring the region in the drug crisis.
Justice Serto urged students not to turn a blind eye but to work diligently toward solutions. He emphasized the need for strict measures and necessary changes. He shared insights from discussions with police officers, noting that cooperation from the public is often challenging, and this lack of collaboration leads to setbacks.
He emphasized that the public must cooperate with the police, highlighting that the vast amounts of money involved allow traffickers and drug cartels to corrupt anyone. He mentioned plans to organize seminars with societal stakeholders, stating that everyone has a responsibility to uphold good laws and maintain checks.
The students present were encouraged to assist lawmakers in identifying what is right and wrong. He also shared his own journey of how he became involved in law.
During the question-and-answer session, Serto noted, “While it is important to forgive those who err, we must not obstruct the path to justice. The goal is not retribution, but to prevent further crimes and raise societal awareness; without punishment, we risk encouraging potential criminals.” He stated that criminal law addresses offenses not just against individuals, but against society as a whole. He concluded by stressing the need for better infrastructure and the effective functioning of the Human Rights Commission in Nagaland.
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In his welcome address, R. Nzanbemo Lotha, Member NSHRC stated that the awareness program on human rights was held to inform that the state now have SHRC and another reason is to ignite the research minds and provoke the thoughts of students, scholars, professors and the young upcoming Lawyers in the field of Human Rights. “We should know our rights and their corresponding duties as a responsible citizen. And as much as we protect, promote our rights and to prevent their violations, we must also learnt do the same for our fellow human beings of their rights. We all can be a Human Rights Defenders, irrespective of wherever and whatever we are.” He added.
Lotha informed that since its establishment, the Commission has taken up several cases on a complaint filed before it, and in some cases, taken up Suo moto, relating to violation of human rights and failure to prevent their violations. The cases taken includes Custodial death, alleged
Highhandedness of law enforcing agencies, delay payment of Pension and salary, unregulated and illegal mining cases, cases relate to killing of fellow human being, cases relating to right to Education, health and food etc.
During the panel discussion Advocate Nagali Shohe, a panel lawyer with NSLSA, spoke on the “Protection of Human Rights Act 1993” and the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission. Advocate Apila Sangtam, Retainer Lawyer NSLSA spoke on “An Overview of Legal Services” . David, Asst. Professor, Kohima Law College pronounced the vote of thanks while Cherry Ovung, Panel Lawyer, KDLSA chaired the program and Ronit, EU President, KLC blessed the program with an invocation.
