A jail inspection and legal awareness programme has been organised at the District Jail, Kohima by the Kohima District Legal Services Authority in collaboration with the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority.
Member Secretary, NSLSA, Neiko Akami, NJS, explained that free legal services aim to assist inmates who cannot afford legal representation. He said the initiative ensures that all inmates receive proper legal support without any cost.
Akami stated that while some inmates may be able to hire private lawyers, those who cannot can seek assistance from the legal services authority. He urged inmates to clearly explain their cases to panel lawyers so that appeals can be effectively presented. He also informed that a legal services clinic operates within the jail premises, where panel lawyers visit regularly.
He added that cases of convicts are sometimes taken up for appeal in higher courts when deemed appropriate. Akami further said the government has constituted a committee to look into the welfare of over 500 inmates in the state, adding that efforts are being made to improve facilities and overall conditions.
Additional Public Prosecutor, Kohima District Court, Abraham, emphasised that the justice system is not only about punishment but also reform. He said imprisonment should be seen as an opportunity for rehabilitation through education, counselling, and skill development. “What is important is what has he/she become after release from Jail and not what happened,” he said.
Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, Kohima DLSA, Mezivolu T. Therieh, NJS, encouraged inmates to utilise free legal aid and report any demand for money.
The programme was chaired by Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary, Kohima DLSA, Cheliam Khiamniungan, NJS. Invocation was delivered by Jail counsellor Sarenti Aier, while Superintendent Sunny Keppen proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme was attended by 49 inmates, including undertrial prisoners and convicts.