A jail committee comprising Neiko Akami, K Hamtok Phom, Solezhol Neikha and Longshithung Ezung conducted a visitation and legal awareness programme at Central Jail, Chümoukedima, and District Jail, Dimapur on May 2.
Accompanied by retainer and panel lawyers and members of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel, the team met jail authorities before interacting with inmates. Issues of infrastructure, inmate welfare and hospitalised prisoners were discussed, and the committee decided to recommend an iron-bar door for undertrial cells at the District Hospital for security.
Central Jail houses 185 inmates, including 109 undertrials, 55 convicts, 16 under NSA detention and seven under PITNDPS. A total of 26 inmates have received legal aid. Authorities said inmates are engaged in computer training, distance education and vocational activities, with earnings saved for use after release.
A legal awareness session, chaired by Nishela Assumi, was also held. The team later visited District Jail, which has 68 inmates, including 58 men and 10 women, with 22 receiving legal aid. Recommendations included additional barracks, a workshed, toilets in the female ward and septic tanks.
A second session was chaired by Kiyekali. Sangto Longchar highlighted legal aid services, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dozhoyi Cukhami.
