Dimapur, October 19 (MExN): A one-day seminar on “Legal Empowerment” was organized by the Center for Indigenous Culture and Environmental Studies (CICEs) in collaboration with the Political Science Programme, North East Christian University (NECU), and supported by the Indigenous People of Asia Solidarity (IPAS) Fund on October 17 at the Seminar Hall, CARS & CTC Building, NECU, Dimapur. Advocate Tongpang Imchen of the Gauhati High Court was the Resource Person.
The seminar aimed to ensure that law is not confined to books and courtrooms but serves as an instrument for grassroots justice. It sought to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and mindset required to use law as a tool for social change and to become effective agents of transformation by engaging with both the practical and ethical dimensions of justice within the Indian legal system and its applications.
The seminar was chaired by Khrielhoumenuo Suokhrie, Assistant Professor, Political Science Programme, and the invoking of Traditional Blessings was offered by Asu. Akheto Chishi. Dr. Martemjen, founding member of CICEs, welcomed the participants and provided a brief background on the work of the Center.
Resource Person Imchen highlighted various existing State Statutes such as the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) 1873, the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulation Act 1978, the Nagaland Jhumland Act 1970, and other pertinent state and central laws. He emphasized the importance of practical knowledge about legal rights and the remedies available under different laws. He also stressed the need to empower communities and individuals by bridging the gap between the existing legal systems and people’s ability to access them effectively.
Participants engaged by sharing their experiences and queries during the interactive session. The seminar concluded with remarks from Dr. T. Cholichem Sangtam, Co-ordinator and Assistant Professor, Political Science Programme, who expressed hope for a continued and collective initiative toward legal empowerment and a transformative approach to the promotion and protection of human rights.
