Longleng district jail hosts fellowship for inmate rehabilitation

DIMAPUR — The Longleng District Legal Services Authority (LDLSA), with logistics support from paralegal volunteers, and in collaboration with Phomla Hoichem, organised a fellowship programme-cum-awareness with inmates of District Jail, Longleng, on September 7.

The programme, held under the Drugs Awareness and Wellness Navigation (DAWN) Scheme 2025, aimed to raise awareness about substance abuse and promote wellness, a DIPR report stated.

Panglang Y Phom, retainer lawyer at LDLSA, chaired the programme and emphasised that the fellowship-cum-awareness initiative aims to foster spiritual growth, rehabilitation, and community engagement among jail inmates, while also briefing them about the DAWN Scheme.

Ainyu Phom, president of Phomla Hoichem, highlighted the harmful effects of drugs and intoxicants, and proposed strategies to curb the supply and demand chain.

Meanwhile, Kumdilong Kessen, LDLSA secretary, expressed gratitude to the Phomla Hoichem for the initiative and sought continued collaboration to introduce skill-based activities for jail inmates.

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A reformed addict and convict shared a powerful testimony, inspiring inmates to overcome addiction and find inner strength through rehabilitation and spiritual growth for a transformative change.

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 banana chips were given away to the inmates towards their welfare fund.

After the fellowship programme, the Phomla Hoichem 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 oil was sponsored by the District Jail Longleng and the Pomla Hoichem donated a wok, vegetable slicer and other kitchen essentials.

All together 17 inmates participated in making the banana and potato chips. Since the chips were made on trial basis, it was packed and sold only to well-wishers.

Paralegal volunteer (PLVs) Yingli Keikung and Manau Phom also extended their assistance during the programme. The offertory prayer was delivered by deputy LADC, P Monyei Phom.

Assistant Jailor Bankathung Patton proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the unprecedented initiative by the Phomla Hoichem to introduce chip-making skills training in the District Jail, Longleng.

Earlier, the programme began with an invocation led by N Manla Phom, general secretary of Phomla Hoichem.