Kohima, August 18 (MExN): The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) conducted legal awareness programmes across the state.
The Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) organized a legal services programme on the topic “Victim of Drug Abuse and Eradication of Drug Menace Scheme, 2015” with the KRIPA Foundation in Kohima on August 18.
On the same day, the Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) also organized a consultative workshop with Juvenile Justice stakeholders at ADC (planning) Conference Hall.
Around 60 representatives of Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU), Watsu Mungdang, Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), Mokokchung Town LanurTelongjem, Observation home, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and MDLSA attended the workshop.
Esther Aye, Legal Aid Counsel and Trainer, NSLSA, spoke on Juvenile Justice Act, Limhathung Ezung, Legal Aid Counsel and Trainer, NSLSA, spoke on procedures and the roles of the stakeholders, while Limasenla Longkumer, Legal Aid Counsel and Trainer NSLSA spoke on POCSO Act 2012 and Nagaland Victim Compensation scheme 2012. This was followed by an interaction session.
In Kohima, Nagali Shohe, Panel Lawyer, KDLSA, gave a brief introduction of the various legal activities rendered by the KDLSA.
Speaking on the objectives of “Victim of Drug Abuse and Eradication of Drug Menace Scheme, 2015”, Nancy Lotha, Panel Lawyer, KDLSA apprised on establishment of Special Units comprising of Judicial officer, young lawyer, medical officer, forest ranger, revenue personal, police, NGO, para Legal Volunteer.
She said that awareness could be created through collective collaboration with the churches schools, colleges, sex workers, jail inmates, juveniles, family of the victims, victims, chemist, peddlers and through electronic and print media.
During the interaction session, the participants gave suggestions and recommendations to organize health camp, to give/ provide financial assistance to needy victims, to establish more rehabilitation centre, to create more legal awareness with the general public, so that they are not discriminated and isolated from society.
Earlier on August 17, the Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) visited Kohima Mental Hospital.
During a brief programme with the staff of mental hospital, Dr. Viketoulie, MO pointed out the challenging task to eradicate the stigma for mentally ill or disabled people and said that the need of the hour is to create awareness.
Wapanginla Kichu, Panel lawyer KDLSA, cited the National legal Services Authority Schemes, 2015 where a mentally ill or disabled person can get access to justice for equal opportunity and effective services.
Thejapfutuo, Retainer KDLSA, highlighted the Mental Health Act 1987 and the recent Mental Health Act 2017.
The staff and doctors shared their grievances and experiences and stressed on the basic need for availing funds for an effective functioning of the institute.
Meanwhile, the Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority (ZDLSA) and Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA) visited observation homes in their respective districts on August 17.
The Longleng District Legal Services Authority (LDLSA) also held a meeting with Para-Legal Volunteers from Village legal care and support center Longleng at the office chamber of Secretary LDLSA. Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary, LDLSA, Tucuno Vamuzo spoke on the maintenance of village legal care, support center and the functions of PLV.
In Zunheboto, the ZDLSA team was led by N. Suyie, District and Session Judge and Chairman ZDLSA. At the Observation Home, three juveniles in Conflict with Law (JCL) have been kept for observation.
A short discussion hour was conducted with the Superintendent and Subordinate staffs of the home, and deliberated on how the home and office could function together in collaboration with Child Welfare Committee, JJB and Special Juvenile Police Unit.
The TDLSA team visited the Observation home as per the monthly action plan where all the staff members were present. During an interaction, Judicial Magistrate First Class Tuensang and secretary TDLSA, N. Kano highlighted on the procedures and the ways to coordinate in regard to Official communication. At present, there are two juveniles in the Observation Home.
