Kohima, February 29 (MExN): Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) today opened a Legal Aid Clinic at Chiephobozou in Kohima district at the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s office premises.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Rovilatuo Mor (IAS), who is also the Ex-Officio Member of KDLSA, inaugurated the Legal Aid Clinic. He opined that the LAC will help the villagers to a large extent and that people living around the localities and neighbouring villages can get access to justice with the opening of the clinic.
A press release from KDLSA informed that the DC further assured that the Clinic, literally interpreted in Angami as “Thezho Houba”, will help the villagers in redressing their grievances. He also highlighted that there are many provisions of laws, rules, and orders to protect, regulate and control our lives. Likewise, there are penalties for breach of these laws, he added. “We need to be aware and know the various rights and regulations for our own protection and benefits as these laws are enacted not only to protect us but at the same time promote justice and equality which we all should know and abide by it.”
He further advocated performing one’s duties and enjoying one’s rights responsibly. Mor also urged the villagers to utilise the Legal Aid Clinic positively and avail free legal advice and services, while requesting the Village Council Members and village leaders and elders present to work together in unity with a sense of responsibility towards the welfare of their villages.
Meanwhile, ADC Chiephobozou, Linda Solo (NCS) pointed out that Legal Aid Clinic is very much needed in the sub-division citing that just to get an affidavit drafted, the villagers have to travel all the way to Kohima Town which causes lots of inconvenience and incurs expenditures. She noted that the burden of the villagers will lessen with the LAC and hoped that free and competent legal services will be provided through the clinic.
Chief Judicial Magistrate & Secretary, KDLSA, Mezivolu T Therieh (NJS) appealed to the villagers to continue to assist in the promotion of the LAC so that people in the area are not denied their right to get access to justice.
Meanwhile, Zekuseto Natso, Panel Lawyer, briefed the villagers that any eligible person can avail free legal services in the form of legal advice, getting their application drafted, opening bank account etc. at the Legal Aid Clinic. “There are instances where many people are unable to afford a lawyer to represent their case also and so for such cases, legal aid clinic can act as medium to connect the people in need of free legal aids and services to redress their grievances through proper channel,” Natso said. He further stated the clinic will assist in making them understand better the customary laws, filing RTI, getting to know about the welfare schemes meant for them, matters concerning the villages, any sort of legal advices and on various provisions of law.
The programme was attended by lawyers, village elders and leaders, Village Council Chairmen & Member, DBs, GBs, student leaders, social leaders and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs).
