Recommends construction iron bar door for UTPs cell
Dimapur, May 2 (MExN): A Jail Committee comprising officials from the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), Prison Department, and District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) conducted a jail visitation-cum-awareness programme at the Central Jail, Chümoukedima, and District Jail, Dimapur on May 2.
The committee included NSLSA Member Secretary Neiko Akami; DIG (Prisons) K Hamtok Phom; Senior Superintendent of Central Jail, Chümoukedima, Solezhol Neikha; and Principal District & Sessions Judge, Dimapur-cum-Chairman, DDLSA, Longshithung Ezung.
They were accompanied by retainer lawyers, panel lawyers, and Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC), Dimapur.
The members first held a meeting at the office of the Senior Superintendent of Jail, Chümoukedima, followed by an inspection of the jail premises and an awareness programme for inmates. During the meeting, the committee discussed issues relating to infrastructure, inmate welfare, and the condition of hospitalised inmates.
The committee resolved to recommend to the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital the construction of an iron-bar door for the undertrial prisoners’ (UTPs) cell at the hospital, citing security concerns.
According to an NSLSA release, the Central Jail currently houses 185 inmates, including 109 undertrial prisoners, 55 convicts, 16 detainees under the National Security Act (NSA), and seven detainees under the PITNDPS Act. Of these, 26 inmates have been provided legal aid.
The jail authorities informed the committee that inmates are being provided computer training, distance education, and vocational training in tailoring, carpentry, sanitary pad production, LED light manufacturing, repair works, and handicrafts. Income generated through these activities is being deposited in the inmates’ accounts and will be released to them upon completion of their sentences.
During a legal awareness programme at Central Jail, NSLSA Member Secretary Akami briefed inmates on their legal rights and provided updates on pending appeals and applications for premature release.
DDLSA Chairman, Ezung also introduced the inmates to the new NALSA initiative, Mulaqat Se Nyay Tak – Legal Aid Desh, under which panel lawyers will be deputed at both jails during visiting hours every week to interact with inmates and visiting family members in coordination with prison authorities.
Senior Superintendent Neikha encouraged inmates to reform and become responsible citizens after their release.
The committee later visited District Jail, Dimapur, where it reviewed infrastructure needs and recommended the construction of a new barrack for male inmates and a separate convict ward, establishment of a block or workshed for training and rehabilitation, installation of a European toilet in the female ward, and construction of two septic tanks in the male ward.
District Jail currently houses 68 inmates, including 58 males and 10 females. A total of 22 inmates have been provided legal aid.
During the awareness programme at the District Jail, the committee members apprised inmates of their legal rights, reviewed the status of their cases, identified undertrial prisoners without legal representation, and highlighted the Mulaqat scheme.
Assistant LADC Sangto Longchar also explained the role and functions of Legal Aid Defence Counsel.
