Kohima Law College raises awareness on citizens’ rights, duties

Kohima, July 23 (MExN): Kohima Law College led by its Professor-in-Charge Kezhokhoto Savi conducted ‘Citizen Rights & Duties Awareness’ campaign at Lotha Baptist Church Kohima on July 22.  

Several topics such as Consumer Rights, Lokayukta, National Food Security Act, Human Rights, Environment, Food Safety and Standard, RTI & Clean Election were presented by Chumbeni Kithan, Toshika, Asie Vizol, B. Langshan, Amentoli I Sumi, K. Chijamo Shitio, and Imtizungla Jamir.  

Kezhokhoto Savi, who is also Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) President, said, “If you want your right, do your duty.” With the implementation of National Food Security Act 2013 in Nagaland, the big question, he said is whether the food grain coming from central government benefit or reach the 14,05,956 of the population in Nagaland which consists of 2,12,034 AAY and 11,93,922 PHH beneficiaries. “If not what would be the duty of state government particularly the department of Food & Civil Supplies or public especially the citizens who are aware of the Act?” he questioned.  

Meanwhile, the resource person who spoke on Human Rights asserted there is equal right to life, liberty and property for every individual. As human being, it was stated, “we always wish to live in a world where we all feel safe, have an adequate standard of living and a decent home, where no one is discriminated for any reason in the workplace or anywhere and where violence has no place.”  

The resource person lamented the human rights scenario in Nagaland is still pathetic. “All these years the killing of people by the Indian army, the violation of human rights by the Naga militant groups was talked about and everybody remains silent.” A press release from Savi quoted the resource person as saying that the denial of human rights is not only an individual personal tragedy; it also creates conditions of social and political unrest, violence and conflict within and between societies and nation.  

In order to protect and promote human rights, following suggestions were made: claim human rights as a tool for social change and in own work; use human rights arguments while having a central voice in policy debates; prioritize human rights in work; raise awareness and capacity; demand protection of human dignity; challenge discrimination/brutality; take positive steps to protect human rights; use human rights to challenge blanket policies. Nagaland State is yet to constitute State Human Rights Commission, it was pointed out.  

Regarding Food Safety & Standard Act 2006, another resource person informed Nagaland State has implemented the Act, but is yet to designate Food Commissioner and district level grievances redressal cell. “The state does not have a slaughter house and that is the reason that the state as a welfare state terribly fails to provide food safety and standard in meat such as pork, beef, etc which are available in our market,” the resource person added.