NSLSA and PDLSA conducted a legal awareness programme in Phek on the NALSA human-wildlife conflict scheme and POCSO Act.
Share
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), in collaboration with the Phek District Legal Services Authority, conducted a legal awareness programme on the NALSA Scheme on Access to Justice for Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC), 2025 at Christian Mission Higher Secondary School, Phek, on Thursday.
Member Secretary, NSLSA, Neiko Akami, highlighted the scheme's provisions, stating that it addresses the legal, social and economic challenges faced by victims of human-wildlife conflict, particularly in forest-fringe and tribal areas, an update stated.
He said the scheme provides legal aid, awareness, compensation and allied relief in line with Articles 21 and 48A of the Constitution.
Akami informed participants that state- and district-level committees under the legal services authorities coordinate with the Forest department in handling cases of human-wildlife conflict.
He urged the public to report such incidents to their respective District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).
He explained that the scheme covers victims injured or killed by wild animals as well as cases involving crop and farmland damage, with eligible victims entitled to timely relief and compensation.
Read more local news: Digital health: Nearly 9 lakh Nagaland citizens register under Ayushman Bharat ecosystem
Referring to recent elephant attacks in Wokha district, he noted that relief had been extended to affected families and stressed the role of DLSAs in creating public awareness.
Retainer lawyer of Phek DLSA, Sekhotso Rokha, spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, explaining that every person below 18 years is legally recognised as a child.
He discussed the concepts of "good touch" and "bad touch", outlined the Act's penal provisions, and encouraged prompt reporting of sexual offences.
Panel lawyer of Phek DLSA, Thukutalu Chizo, delivered a session on the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, including amendments introduced in 2022.
She encouraged students to develop empathy towards wildlife and uphold their constitutional duty under Article 51A (g) to protect the natural environment.
The programme, chaired by advocate Khotsozo Venuh, was attended by more than 150 students.