Kohima: Nagaland State Legal Services Authority Member Secretary Neiko Akami reminded officials that incarceration does not end human rights. He spoke at the NALSA JAGRITI Scheme awareness event held at Chümoukedima Central Jail on July 18. The program, titled Rights in Custody, Dignity for All, focused on providing free legal aid to those behind bars. It is a critical mission.
The jail currently holds 199 inmates. This total includes 122 undertrial prisoners, 56 convicts, 14 individuals detained under the National Security Act, and seven people held on NDPS Act charges. Akami confirmed the authority successfully secured the release of four convicts this month.
The NSLSA, the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority, and jail officials teamed up to organize the event. Akami called for better use of the e-Prisons Portal and the e-Remission Module. He wants staff to strengthen Prison Legal Aid Clinics and run drives to help inmates understand their case status. Collaboration with law schools remains a priority for long-term rehabilitation.
Jailor Zubemo explained the remission process for convicts. Behavior dictates eligibility for early release. Those with good conduct have their names submitted to the government for review. He noted: "The list of eligible convicts is sent to the government for approval, following which eligible cases are forwarded during Independence Day celebrations."
Advocates Khumchuba and Rokovitsu Khate also addressed the crowd. Khate reminded the room that the law presumes innocence until a court proves otherwise. Inmates hold the right to a speedy trial and the right to select their own legal representation. Dignity must remain the standard.
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