7th NLSF biennial General Conference held in Kohima
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 22
The inaugural session of the 7th Biennial General Conference of the Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) was held on September 22, with Dr Neiphrezo Keditsu, MLA & Chairman, NSMDC Ltd as the Chief Guest and Neingulo Krome, Secretary General, NPMHR as the Speaker. Under the theme, ‘Excelsior (Ever Upward)’, the conference was held from September 21 to 22 at Jubilee Memorial Centre (KABA), Lerie and hosted by Kohima Law College Students’ Union.
Speaking on ‘Human Rights in the Naga Context’ Neingulo Krome reminded the law students of the Naga National movement, where Naga elders fought for the rights of the Nagas to protect Naga lands from plunder and destruction. In the process many human rights violations were committed by the Indian Army which made human rights in the Naga context completely irrelevant then, he said.
“Peace was found only in the graves,” reminded Krome. However in recent times, with the ceasefires signed between different political groups and Government of India, along with the efforts of the Naga civil societies, especially the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, he stated that the human rights situation in the Naga society is much better now than before. In spite of the tremendous efforts of the older generations, Krome also stated, “our failures have been more than the good things we tried to do. The future which can be shaped is in your hands.” He advised that Naga society should move ahead with every little positive developments in every sphere of life, instead of getting stuck with negative elements, and take the present and upcoming generations of Nagaland out of the shadows of the horrors of the past.
“And talking of human rights in the Naga context must also mean talking for the rights of the present and future Naga generations to live their fullest and with full human dignity,” he concluded.
Dr Neiphrezo Keditsu meanwhile pointed out a few similarities between Doctors and lawyers, which are one of the oldest professions in the world. The first is the faith that clients put on the professions. “During our time of practice, the trust that is entrusted on us, we should not abuse it, take advantage or mislead it,” said Dr. Keditsu.
Another factor that builds the career and credibility of both professions is communication which is the bridge of success or failures. However Dr. Keditsu also said, “Winning is not everything. The bigger challenge is to give justice; that is something you need to uphold. Once justice is given, whether you lose or win does not matter. When there is proper justice, everybody wins.”
With the many changes in Nagaland, such as the GST Bill and the 33 percent reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies, Dr. Keditsu exhorted the students that it is their duty to make people aware of the policies that will come and to guide the public on the understanding of Article 371 (A) on customary practices and privileges of constitutional rights. In conclusion, the young MLA encouraged the law students to “be ambitious, dream big but be practical in what you want to be. This is the time for you all.”
Kohima DC, Rovilatuo Mor appreciated and admired the growing professionalism in different areas with the progress in education, including legal professionals. He further stated that any profession should definitely look forward for government employment, but at the same time be equally prepared to involve in private practice. “It is a waste of human resource and economy if what you have studied is not put into practice. Law should put public interest first as its basic principles,” he added.
