(From left) Yingli A Keikung, Sunjib Rana, Member Secretary Neiko Akami, NJS and Sentimenla.
Kohima, October 18 (MExN): The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) organised a commendation ceremony to honour recipients of the ‘Best Performance Award for the year 2025’ at the Japfü Hotel, Kohima on October 18.
According to a press release, the awards were presented by NSLSA Member Secretary, Neiko Akami, NJS.
The award for ‘Best Performance for the Year 2025, Panel Lawyer’ was conferred upon Sunjib Rana, Retainer Lawyer of the Kohima District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). The release stated that Rana was recognised for his dedication and service in ensuring access to justice, demonstrating core values of commitment, compassion, and competence. It highlighted his work in disposing of multiple cases through mediation, creating legal awareness, and providing legal expertise.
Yingli A Kiekung, a Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) under the Longleng DLSA, was awarded the ‘Best Para Legal Volunteer (PLV)’ for his service, empathy, and dedication. The release noted that he acts as a vital link between the community and the justice system, assisting in organising legal awareness programmes, counselling victims of sexual assault for availing victim compensation, and counselling loan defaulters.
The ‘Best Legal Aid Defense Counsel’ award was given to Sentimenla, Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel in Dimapur, in recognition of her professional service under the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System. The NSLSA stated that she took up more than 100 legal aid court cases, of which over 50% were disposed of.
All winners were presented with certificates and cash prizes.
The ceremony also recognised the winners of the national photography and art competition titled “Justice for All: Through the Lens of Legal Aid”, organised to commemorate 30 years of National Legal Services Day, 2025.
The winners in this category were Kiphire DLSA (documentary - 1st prize); Alopeni from Grace Higher Secondary School, Kohima (art - 2nd position); and Laxmi from Razhükhrie Higher Secondary School, Kohima (art - 3rd position). They were also awarded certificates and cash prizes.
