Kohima: Nagaland Governor ordered the release of 29 convicted prisoners through sentence remission effective August 15, 2026. The state government acted on a proposal from the Director General of Prisons to mark the 80th Independence Day. This relief applies to inmates across jails inside and outside the state.
Officials used a graded scale to determine time off. Prisoners serving 10 years or more gain 30 days. Those serving 5 to 10 years get 20 days. Inmates with 1 to 5 years earn 10 days, while those with sentences under one year receive 5 days.
Strict rules apply. Authorities barred anyone convicted of rape, corruption, or drug offenses. People held under the Foreigners Act, Passport Act, or Unlawful Activities Prevention Act remain ineligible. The order further excludes those convicted of crimes against women or acts involving state secrets. The Home Department stated, "The remission shall not apply to prisoners whose sentence was inflicted for offences against Section 473 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, or any law where the executive powers of the Central Government extend."
Inmates caught smuggling, assaulting others, or breaking jail discipline also lose out. Foreign nationals receive no benefit. Central Jail in Dimapur cleared the most inmates with 9 beneficiaries. District Jail in Mon followed with 6, while Mokokchung had 5 and Kohima had 3. Longleng and Phek jails each processed 2. Tuensang and Wokha had 1 prisoner apiece. No inmates qualified in Dimapur, Kiphire, Peren, or Zunheboto district jails.
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