Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Nagaland State Legal Services Authority, the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority, and Central Jail Chümoukedima hosted a legal awareness event on July 18, 2026. The program focused on the NALSA JAGRITI Scheme 2025 under the theme Rights in Custody, Dignity for All.
Member secretary Neiko Akami delivered the keynote address. He reminded the crowd that jail walls do not erase a person's constitutional rights. Access to free legal aid remains a priority for those behind bars. Akami wants better training for jail lawyers and prison staff. He pushed for more work on the e Prisons Portal and the e Remission Module. He also wants to strengthen Prison Legal Aid Clinics and identify more inmates for the Under Trial Review Committee process.
The jail currently holds 199 inmates. This total includes 122 undertrials, 56 convicts, 14 prisoners held under the National Security Act, and seven held on NDPS charges. Officials recently helped four convicts secure their release. Jailor Zubemo explained the rules for remission during the session. Good behavior matters. Convicts with clean records get recommended for release, often around Independence Day. He told the inmates, "Convicts with good conduct are recommended to the government and eligible names forwarded during Independence Day celebrations."
Advocates Khumchuba and Rokovitsu Khate also spoke at the event. Khumchuba explained that the JAGRITI Scheme helps those who cannot afford private counsel. Khate reminded the inmates that they still possess a fundamental right to life and dignity. He stressed that legal representation and speedy trials are essential protections for everyone in custody. Visheli H. Yepthomi served as the chair for the day.
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