Wokha, Kiphire and Dimapur District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA) under the aegis of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) have recently conducted a number of legal awareness programs in their districts including awareness camps for jail inmates, visit to Legal Aid Clinics and identifying unrepresented prisoners, a press release from NSLSA informed.

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Wokha

Wokha DLSA conducted an awareness camp for prisoners on 11 July 2023 at District Jail Wokha. According to the statement, District and Session Judge and Chairperson Wokha DLSA, Nino Iralu, NJS spoke on Rights of Prisoners and also interacted with the Under Trial Prisoners (UTPs). A Mhabemo, Public Prosecutor, Wokha spoke on POCSO Act. During the visit, it was found that there were 47 UTPs and five convicts lodged at district jail.

Wokha DLSA also visited Legal Aid Clinics led by Panel Lawyers and Para Legal Volunteers on 15 July 2023. Panel Lawyers Renbonthung Tsanglao, Myingthunglo Kikon, Yangrothung Humtsoe, Jacob Kikon, Shanchobeni P Lotha and Para-Legal Volunteers Tsanthungo, Ajano Ngullie, Mhajamo Khuvung, Wobemo Murry and Zuchobemo Odyuo visited Legal Aid Clinic at District Jail, Longsa Legal Aid Clinic, Bhandari Legal Aid Clinic, and Sanis Legal Aid Clinic. During Visitation Legal Pamphlets in Lotha and English were also handed over to LACs.

Kiphire

Kiphire DLSA led by Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) cum Secretary, Kiphire DLSA, Phuleto Yeptho along with Panel Lawyer Lizi Sangtam and Para Legal Volunteer Tsasela Sangtam visited District Jail and interacted with the inmates. Jailor and Assistant Jail were also present. During the visit, there were two convicts and six UTPs.

Secretary inquired about the health, hygiene and if various basic facilities were being accorded to the inmates as per their rights. They were also given opportunity to share legal or other grievances. Panel Lawyer Lizi Sangtam highlighted the rights of the prisoners and booklet on prisoner rights were also distributed to all the inmates.

Three unrepresented inmates were identified, the report stated.

Kiphire DLSA also organised an Awareness Program on four priority schemes at Pungro Town on July 8. The program was attended by student bodies, Village Council members, Police Department, EAC, AR Commandant, ASHA, Anganwadi workers, women organisation and church leaders, it was informed.

At the event, Phuleto Yepthomi CJM cum Secretary, Kiphire DLSA apprised on the Role of District Legal Services Authority and Lok Adalat; Bendangwati, Retainer Lawyer spoke on Right to Education; Micheal Aye, APP spoke on Food Security Act, Lizi spoke on Health and Family Welfare Scheme; Tsasela Sangtam, Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) spoke on PMVVY Scheme and old age pension scheme.

Further, the DLSA team led by Yepthomi also visited Legal Aid Clinic (LAC) at Pungro. At present there are three PLVs but the LAC was not active for long time and therefore Bendangwati asked the PLV’s to revive their work at the front office and suggested them to manage the office on rotational basis three times a week or more if required. Panel lawyer directed them to record daily activities in the register along with the name of beneficiary.

Dimapur

Dimapur DLSAs organised a legal awareness program at the District Jail and Central Jail on 6 July 2023 where retainer lawyer of Dimapur DLSA Sonile Seb and panel lawyer Sangto Longchar were the resource persons. They spoke on legal services and its role, rights of accused person, bail and trial, appeals.