Kohima: The Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) is pushing for compensation in two high-profile deaths involving state authorities. Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton presented the Commission’s third annual report for 2025-26 to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on September 1. The document exposes systemic failures and human rights violations during police encounters and lock-up detentions.
In a 2024 Niuland district incident, police allegedly struck and killed a suspect during a chase. The NSHRC concluded that the state machinery violated the man's rights, ordering Rs 5 lakh compensation for his unemployed widow and their three children. Investigators interviewed witnesses, police staff, the vehicle driver, and the doctor who performed the post-mortem. The Commission issued a stern warning to law enforcement, stating, "It is s the duty of the law enforcement authorities to ensure that such violation of human right does not happen when dealing with a suspect."
A second case involves a May 2025 suicide inside the Zunheboto Police Station lock-up. The Commission directed a Rs 5 lakh payment to the victim's parents, split between the officers on duty and the Home Department. Meanwhile, the Commission continues to monitor a third case regarding an undertrial prisoner who died in the District Jail Kohima.
The watchdog reports significant institutional gaps. Its Law, Judicial, and Investigating wings remain unformed, and one membership seat is empty. Despite these hurdles, the Commission is tackling broad policy issues. It requested a revision of minimum wages for workers, though the state cabinet deferred the move due to austerity measures. It is also pushing for the adoption of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, and monitoring the welfare of senior citizens, mental healthcare standards, and HIV/AIDS support strategies.
Separately, Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton defended the state’s current police recruitment policy in the Assembly. Responding to MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu, Patton confirmed that a Class 8 pass is the minimum requirement for general constables, while those from backward tribes need only a Class 6 pass. Patton maintained that state-specific requirements are standard. He added that recruits receive specialized training to handle modern threats like cybercrime, regardless of their initial education level.
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