Legal awareness programme at District Jail Kohima highlights free legal aid and inmate welfare initiatives by DLSA and NSLSA.
Share
DIMAPUR — A jail inspection and legal awareness programme was conducted at the District Jail, Kohima, on Thursday by the Kohima District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in collaboration with the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA).
According to an update, Member Secretary of NSLSA, Neiko Akami, highlighted that the objective of free legal services is to provide assistance to inmates who are unable to afford legal representation.
He stated that such inmates can avail legal aid without any cost to ensure proper defence and representation.
He noted that while some inmates may be capable of engaging private lawyers, those who cannot afford such services can rely on legal aid provided by the authority.
Also read: GHSS Kiphire hosts cultural programme
The member secretary advised inmates to clearly present their cases to panel lawyers so that appeals can be effectively supported. He further informed that a legal services clinic operates within the jail premises, where panel lawyers visit daily.
He also mentioned that, where appropriate, cases of convicts are taken up for appeal in higher courts.
In addition, Akami said that the government has constituted a committee to oversee the welfare of over 500 inmates across the state, adding that necessary measures are being taken to improve facilities and ensure inmate welfare.
Describing the Kohima District Jail as one of the better facilities in the state, Akami said that despite its smaller size, it offers a conducive environment with adequate space for reform and rehabilitation.
Additional Public Prosecutor at District Court Kohima, Abraham, urged inmates to understand the judicial system, stating that imprisonment is not merely punitive but also corrective in nature.
He emphasised that the loss of freedom reflects the seriousness of an offence, while the broader aim is to reform offenders through education, counselling, and skill development.
He added that time spent in custody can be utilised for personal growth, self-reflection, and rehabilitation.
“What is important is what one becomes after release from jail, not what happened in the past,” he said, encouraging inmates to focus on reform.
In her welcome address, Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson of Kohima DLSA, Mezivolu T Therieh, encouraged inmates to make use of legal aid services and to report any instance where money is demanded for such services.
The programme was chaired by Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary of Kohima DLSA, Cheliam Khiamniungan. During the visit, the team also interacted with inmates and addressed their grievances and queries.
A total of 49 inmates, including undertrial prisoners (UTPs) and convicts, attended the programme.